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CORfRIGHT DEPOSIT 



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MOMENTS WITH THE 
CONSOLING CHRIST 



foments tottf) t|je 
Consoling Christ 



PRAYERS SELECTED FROM 

THOMAS A KEMPIS 



BY 

REV. JOHN A. DILLON, LL.D. 

WITH FOREWORD BY 
Right Rev. JOHN J. O'CONNOR, D.D. 

BISHOP OF NEWARK 



NEW YORK 
SCHWARTZ, KIRWIN & FAUSS 



<; 



ffiltyil iDfotat 

Arthur J. Scanlan, S.T.D. 
Censor Librorum 



jmpthmtm 

Joseph F. Mooney, V.G. 
Administrator 



New York, December %> 1918 



DEC 23 1918 

COPYRIGHT, 1918, BY 
SCHWARTZ, KIRWIN & FAUSS 

©GLA508.638 



*s. 



< 





TO 


<*-' 


MARY IMMACULATE 


* 


THE VALIANT WOMAN 


y 


Mother of the Consoling Christ 




EXEMPLAR 




OF 




HEROIC WOMANHOOD 



FOREWORD 

LOURING the last five centuries men 
and women, weighed down with the 
cares of fife, have gathered strength and 
courage and comfort by reflecting on 
the thoughts of Thomas a Kempis. 
So personal is the message which his 
writings convey that, open them where 
you will, the passage that first meets 
the eye seems to be singularly suited 
to the needs of each individual soul. 

With the philosophy, reflections and 
quotations in the works of this ascetical 
writer are interwoven beautiful prayers, 
concealed like hidden treasures, just as 
in Holy Scripture the prayers which so 
effectively touched the Heart of Christ 
when He was on earth are sometimes 
lost sight of, surrounded as they are by 
the vivid descriptions and striking illus- 
trations of the Sacred Text. 

Doctor Dillon has collected the prayers 
of a Kempis and arranged them under 
well-chosen titles into this little volume. 
The words of the text have not been 



JForetoori 

altered. Hence their solidity and effi- 
cacy remain. 

At no time in the history of the world 
has prayer been more urgent and imper- 
ative. In attendance at Mass, visits 
to the Blessed Sacrament, preparation 
and thanksgiving for Confession and 
Communion, the use of this prayer 
book will do much to increase fervor 
and devotion. And when difficulties 
perplex, temptations assail and sorrow 
overwhelms, I am confident that troubled 
souls will find adequate expression of 
their spiritual wants in " Moments with 
the Consoling Christ." 

^John J. O'Connor 

Bishop of Newark 

Feast of All Saints 
1918 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

The Cross of Christ 1 

Christ our Divine Teacher 3 

Christ our Bountiful Good 7 

Christ our Safe Refuge 10 

Christ our Pledge of Grace .... 13 

Christ our Ardent Desire 16 

Christ our Infallible Truth .... 21 

Christ our Firm Confidence 25 

Christ our Only Rest 27 

Christ our Glorious Example .... 31 

Christ our Place of Strength ... 34 

Christ our Anchor of Hope 37 

Christ our Just Law 43 

Christ our Living Way ....... 48 

Christ our Unfailing Light 50 

Christ our Faithful Guide 52 

Christ our Hidden Wisdom 55 

Christ our Merciful Deliverer ... 57 

Christ our Strong Defence 60 

Christ our Future Glory 63 

Christ our True Friend 67 

Christ our Throne of Mercy .... 73 



Content* 



Christ our Everlasting Joy . . . 
Christ our Blessed Resignation . 
Christ our Royal Pardon .... 
Christ our Holy Perseverance . 
Christ our Generous Reward . . 
Christ our Priceless Ransom . . 

The Mother of Christ 

Christ our Adorable Sacrament . 
Christ our Spiritual Refreshment 
Christ our Heavenly Bread . . . 
Christ our Fountain of Sweetness 
Christ our Devout Preparation . 
Christ our Clean Oblation . 
Christ our Celestial Banquet 
Christ our Sovereign Peace . 
Christ our Abiding Presence 
Christ our Internal Union . 
Christ our Eternal Blessing 



75 

82 

89 

93 

97 

99 

103 

106 

118 

123 

128 

134 

135 

139 

146 

150 

153 

156 



%f)t Ctpssf of C&rtet 

God forbid that I should glory save in 
the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

— Gal 6 : 14. 

CROSS of my Saviour! I adore 
Thee, I embrace thee with the most 
profound humility, the most ardent love. 

vJ CROSS, how happy art thou to 
have pillowed the thorn-crowned head 
of the Holy of Holies, and supported His 
nail-pierced feet! Thou art forever 
sanctified by the body of Jesus and con- 
secrated by His blood. 

1 HOU art the bed of pain which heard 
the last words and received the last sigh 
of the Son of God; the altar upon which 
He offered Himself for the sins of the 
world. Thou art the Ark of the Cove- 
nant bearing the Author of the Old and 
the New Testament, the urn of gold en- 
closing the hidden Manna, the treasury 
of the riches of heaven. 

1 



2 JHomente tott|) t&e Consoling C&rtet 

XjLESSED Cross! from thee have 
come the Sacraments of the Church. 
By thee Priests are consecrated, the sick 
receive the last anointing, the dying are 
strengthened and comforted. 

\J CROSS of my Redeemer and my 
Cod, how sweet and powerful thou art 
to heal the wounds of our soul, to com- 
fort our sorrowing hearts! Thou hast 
brought salvation and joy to the world, 
and plunged into hell the demons of 
gloom and despair. 

xHOU art the hope of the faithful, 
the shield of martyrs, the strength of 
confessors, the crown of virgins, the 
consolation of the sorrowing, the support 
of old age, the guide of youth, and the 
refuge of all in tribulation. 

PRECIOUS tree, thou that hast borne 
on thy branches the Fruit of Life, and 
witnessed the anguish of the Mother 
of Jesus, grant that at my death I may 
be received by Him to whom thou 
hast served as the instrument of my 
salvation. Amen. 



Cfjrist out SDtfeme Racier 

Direct me in Thy truth; and teach me; 

for Thou art God my Saviour; and on 

Thee have I waited all the day long. 

— Ps. 24:5. 

TRUTH! my God! make me one 
with Thee in everlasting love. I am 
often wearied with the many things I 
read and hear; in Thee is all that I 
wish or long for. 

JLjET all teachers hold their peace, 
and all created things keep silence in 
Thy presence; do Thou alone speak to 
me. 

1J.ELP me, Lord God, in my good 
purpose and in Thy holy service, and 
grant that I may this day begin indeed, 
since what I have hitherto done is 
nothing. 

QPEAK, Lord, for Thy servant heareth. 

1 am Thy servant; give me under- 
standing, that I may know Thy testi- 
monies. 

3 



4 foments toitf) tf)e Coiusolitiff Cfcriat 

INCLINE my heart to the words of 
Thy mouth; let Thy speech distill as 
the dew. 

HERETOFORE the children of Israel 
said to Moses: Speak thou to us, and 
we will hear; let not the Lord speak to 
us, lest we die. 

IT is not thus, Lord, it is not thus I 
pray ; but rather with the Prophet Samuel 
I humbly and earnestly entreat: Speak, 
Lord, for Thy servant heareth. 

XjET not Moses, nor any of the 
Prophets, speak to me; but speak Thou 
rather, Lord God, the Inspirer and 
Enlightener of all the Prophets; for 
Thou alone, without them, canst per- 
fectly instruct me; but they, without 
Thee, will avail me nothing. 

1 HEY may indeed sound forth words, 
but they give not the spirit. 

MOST beautifully do they speak; 
but if Thou be silent, they inflame not 
the heart. 



C&riat our SDtotne Ceac&er 5 

THEY give the letter, but Thou 
disclosest the sense. 

1 HEY publish the mysteries, but 
Thou unlockest the meaning of the things 
signified. 

1 HEY declare the commandments, but 
Thou enablest us to fulfill them. 

1 HEY show the way, but Thou 
givest strength to walk in it. 

WHAT they can do is only from 
without, but Thou instructest and en- 
lightenest the heart. 

1 HEY water outwardly, but Thou 
givest the increase. 

1 HEY cry aloud in words, but Thou 
impartest understanding to the hearing. 

J_jET not, then, Moses speak to us, 
but Thou, Lord my God, the eternal 



6 foments tottj) t|>e Condoling; Clmst 

Truth, lest I die and prove fruitless, if 
I be admonished only outwardly, and 
not inflamed within. 

JLjEST it be to my condemnation that 
the word be heard and not fulfilled, 
known and not loved, believed and not 
observed. 



s 



PEAK then, Lord, for Thy servant 
heareth: for Thou hast the words of 
eternal life. 

!^PEAK to me, that it may be some 
comfort to my soul, and the amendment 
of my whole life; and also to Thy praise, 
and glory, and everlasting honor. 

BLESSED is the man whom Thou, 
Lord, shalt instruct, and shalt teach 
him Thy law; that Thou may est give 
him rest from the evil days and that he 
may not be desolate upon earth. 



C&ttet our ©ottnttftil (Boob 

I will show thee, O man, what is good, 
and what the Lord requireth of thee. 
Verily to do judgment, and to love 
mercy, and to walk solicitous with thy 
God. — ML 6:8. 

LORD my God, Thou art all my 
good; and who am I that I should dare 
to speak to Thee? 

1 AM Thy most poor servant, and a 
wretched little worm, much more poor 
and contemptible than I can conceive 
or dare express. 

x ET remember, Lord, that I am 
nothing, I have nothing, and can do 
nothing. 

1 HOU alone art good, just, and holy; 
Thou canst do all things; Thou givest all 
things; Thou fillest all things, leaving 
only the sinner empty. 
7 



8 Jftoments tottf) tfte Consoling; Cj)ti$i 

REMEMBER Thy tender mercies, 
and fill my heart with Thy grace, Thou 
who wilt not that Thy works should 
be void. 

AJ.OW can I support myself in this 
wretched life, unless Thy mercy and 
grace strengthen me? 

J.URN not away Thy face from me; 
delay not Thy visitation, withdraw not 
Thy comfort, lest my soul become as 
earth without water to Thee. 

LORD, teach me to do Thy will; 
teach me to converse worthily and 
humbly in Thy sight; for Thou art my 
wisdom; Thou knowest me in the 
truth, and didst know me before the 
world was made, and before I was born 
in the world. 

JLjORD, teach me, I beseech Thee, the 
way of truth, that I may always seek 
Thee in simplicity of heart. 



C&rist out ^Sountifttl (S5oo*j 9 

LET Thy Truth teach me, let it guard 
me, and preserve me unto a happy end. 

1_jET it deliver me from all evil affec- 
tion and inordinate love, and I shall 
walk with Thee in great freedom of 
heart. 



Cfjttet out &afc Eefuge 

Our God is our refuge and strength — 
a helper in troubles. — Ps. 45 ; 4. 

I BLESS Thee, heavenly Father, 
Father of my Lord Jesus Christ, because 
Thou has vouchsafed to be mindful of 
me, poor as I am. 

FATHER of mercies, and God of aU 
consolation, I give thanks to Thee, that 
sometimes Thou art pleased to cherish 
with Thy consolation, me who am 
unworthy of any consolation. 

1 BLESS and glorify Thee evermore, 
together with Thy only-begotten Son 
and the Holy Ghost the Comforter, 
forever and ever. 







LORD God, my holy lover, when 
Thou shalt come into my heart, all that 
is within me shall be filled with joy. 
10 



Cbridt our Safe Kefttp 11 

1 HOU art my glory and the exultation 
of my heart. 

1 HOU art my hope and my refuge in 
the day of tribulation. 

_L>UT because I am as yet weak in 
love and imperfect in virtue, therefore 
do I stand in need of being strengthened 
and comforted by Thee. Wherefore do 
Thou visit me often and instruct me in 
Thy holy discipline. 

Ij REE me from evil passions and cure 
my heart of all disorderly affections; 
so that inwardly healed and well purified, 
I may become apt to love, courageous to 
suffer, and steadfast to persevere. 

MY God, my Love, Thou art all 
mine, and I am all Thine. 

ENLARGE Thou me in love, that I 
may learn to taste with the interior 



12 JWomenta toitf) tfje Consolins; Cjmat 

mouth of the heart how sweet it is to 
love, and to be dissolved, and to bathe 
in love. 

JLjET me be possessed by love, mount- 
ing up above myself through excess of 
fervor and ecstasy. 

1_jET me sing the canticle of love, let 
me follow Thee, my Beloved, on high, 
let my soul quite lose herself in Thy 
praises, jubilant in Thy love. 

JLjET me love Thee more than myself, 
and myself only for Thee, and all others 
in Thee, who truly love Thee, as the law 
of love commandeth, which shineth forth 
from Thee. 



CJjrtet out pie&ge of (Brace 

If I have found favour in Thy sight, 
show me Thy Face, that I may know 
Thee, and may find grace before Thy 
eyes. — Ex. 33 : 13. 



i 



WILL speak to my Lord, whereas I 
am dust and ashes. 

IF I repute myself greater than this, 
behold, Thou standest against me; and 
my sins bear a true testimony, and I 
cannot contradict it. 

OUT if I abase myself, and bring my- 
self down to very nothingness, and 
divest myself of all self-esteem, and 
reduce myself, as I really am, to mere 
dust, Thy grace will be favorable to me, 
and Thy light will draw nigh to my 
heart; and all self-estimation, how small 
soever, will be sunk in the depth of my 
own nothingness, and there lose itself 
forever. 

13 



14 ^amenta tottj) t^e Consoling; Clmst 

IT is there Thou showest me to myself, 
what I am, what I have been, and to 
what I am come; for I am nothing, and 
I knew it not. 

IF I am left to myself, behold, I am 
nothing, and all weakness; but if Thou 
suddenly look upon me, I presently 
become strong, and am replenished with 
new joy. 

i\ND truly wonderful it is that I am 
so quickly raised up and so graciously 
embraced by Thee; I who, by my own 
weight, am always sinking down to the 
lowest depths. 

IT is Thy love that effects this, gratui- 
tously preventing and assisting me in 
so many necessities, preserving me also 
from grievous dangers, and, as I may 
truly say, rescuing me from innumerable 
evils. 

F OR by a perverse loving of myself, I 
have lost myself; and by seeking Thee 



C&rtat our JJlettffe of (3vut 15 

alone, and purely loving Thee, I have 
found both myself and Thee; and by 
this love have more profoundly anni- 
hilated myself. 

BECAUSE Thou, most sweet Lord, 
dost deal with me above all desert, and 
above all that I dare hope or ask for. 

BLESSED be Thou, my God; for 
though I am unworthy of all good, yet 
Thy generosity and infinite goodness 
never cease to do good even to those who 
are ungrateful, and that are turned far 
away from Thee. 

L/H, convert us unto Thee, that we 
may be humble, thankful, and devout; 
for Thou art our salvation, our courage, 
and our strength. 



Cfirtet out jatbmt Wt&itt 

I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, 
if you find my Beloved, that you tell Him 
that I languish with love. — Cant. 5 : 8. 

iNOW I will speak again, Lord, and 
will not be silent; I will say in the hear- 
ing of my God and my King who is on 
high: 

vJH, how great is the abundance of 
Thy sweetness, Lord, which Thou 
hast hidden for those that fear Thee! 

BlJT what art Thou to those that 
love Thee? What to those that serve 
Thee with their whole heart? 

UNSPEAKABLE, indeed, is the sweet- 
ness of Thy contemplation, which Thou 
bestowest on those that love Thee. 

IN this most of all hast Thou shown 

me the sweetness of Thy love, that when 

16 



C&rist ottr Slrtent SDemre 17 

I had no being, Thou didst make me: 
and when I was straying far from Thee, 
Thou hast brought me back again, that 
I might serve Thee; and Thou hast 
commanded me to love Thee. 
« 

FOUNTAIN of everlasting love, 
what shall I say of Thee? 

_H_OW can I ever forget Thee, who hast 
vouchsafed to remember me even after 
that I was corrupted and was lost? 

BEYOND all hope hast Thou shown 
mercy to Thy servant; and beyond all 
desert hast Thou manifested Thy grace 
and friendship. 

WHAT return shall I make to Thee 
for this favor? for it is not granted to all 
to forsake all things, to renounce the 
world, and to assume the monastic life. 



i 



S it much that I should serve Thee, 
whom the whole creation is bound to 
serve? 



18 iWcmentfii tottj) tit Conaolinff Cfcriat 

IT ought not to seem much to me to 
serve Thee; but this rather doth appear 
great and wonderful to me, that Thou 
vouchsafest to receive one so wretched 
and unworthy for Thy servant, and to 
unite Him to Thy Beloved. 

BEHOLD all things are Thine which 
I have, and with which I serve Thee. 



A 



ND yet contrariwise Thou rather 
servest me than I Thee. 

J_jO! heaven and earth, which Thou 
hast created for the service of man, stand 
prepared, and daily perform whatsoever 
Thou hast commanded. 

AND this is but little; for Thou hast 
also created and appointed angels for 
the service of man. 

XjUT what transcendeth all this is, 
that Thou Thyself hast vouchsafed to 



C&rtat ottr artrent TDtnivt 19 

serve man, and hast promised that Thou 
wilt give him Thyself. 

WllAT shall I give Thee for all these 
thousand favors? Would that I could 
serve Thee all the days of my life! 

W OULD that I were able, were it but 
for one day, to render Thee worthy 
homage! 

VERILY Thou art worthy of all 
service, all honor, and of eternal praise. 

1 HOU art truly my Lord, and I am 
Thy poor servant, who am bound with 
all strength to serve Thee, and ought 
never to grow weary of praising Thee. 

1 HIS is my will, this is my desire ; 
and whatever is wanting in me do Thou 
vouchsafe to supply. 

IT is a great honor, a great glory, to 
serve Thee, and to despise all things for 
Thee. 



20 JHomenta toity tlje Consoling Cbrtet 

_T OR they who willingly subject them- 
selves to Thy most holy service shall 
have great grace. 

JL HEY shall experience the most sweet 
consolation of the Holy Spirit, who for 
the love of Thee have cast away all 
carnal delight. 

1 HEY shall gain great freedom of 
mind, who for Thy name enter upon the 
narrow way, and relinquish all worldly 
care. 

JLjORD, I willingly commit all things 
to Thee, for my care can profit little. 

1 WISH I was not too much set upon 
future events, but offered myself with all 
readiness to Thy divine pleasure. 



CSrtjSt our Infallible ^tutfi 

Love ye Truth. — Za. 8 : 19 

\J LORD God, patience, I perceive, is 
very necessary for me, for many adverse 
things happen to us in this life. 

F OR in whatsoever way I may arrange 
for my peace, my life cannot be without 
war and sorrow. 

1 HOU thunderest forth over my head 
Thy judgments, Lord, and Thou 
shakest all my bones with fear and 
trembling, and my soul is terrified 
exceedingly. 

1 STAND astonished, and consider 
that the heavens are not pure in Thy 
sight. 

IF in the angels Thou has found de- 
pravity, and hast not spared them, what 
will become of me? 

21 



OTARS have fallen from heaven, and 
I, dust that I am, how can I presume? 

1 HEY whose works seemed praise- 
worthy have fallen to the very lowest; 
and those that did eat the bread of 
angels I have seen delighted with the 
husks of swine. 

1 HERE is then no sanctity, if Thou, 
Lord, withdraw Thy hand. 

l\]0 wisdom avails, if Thou cease to 
govern us. 

i\|0 strength is of any help, if Thou 
cease to preserve us. 

1\|0 chastity is secure without Thy 
protection. 

i\lO self-custody profits us, if Thy 
holy vigilance be not nigh unto us. 



Christ our infallible QLxutb 23 

_T OR left to ourselves, we sink and 
perish; but by Thee visited, we are 
raised up and live. 

F OR we are unsteadfast, but by Thee 
we are strengthened: we are tepid, but 
by Thee inflamed. 

vJH, how profoundly ought I to abase 
myself, under Thy unfathomable judg- 
ments, Lord, where I find myself to 
be nothing else but nothing, and alto- 
gether nothing! 

WH, how humbly and lowly ought I to 
think of myself; of how little worth, 
whatever good I may seem to have! 







WEIGHT immense! sea that 
cannot be passed over, where I find 
nothing of myself but only and wholly 
nothing! 

WHERE, then, is there any lurking- 
place for glorying? Where any con- 
fidence conceived of my own virtue? 



24 JHomente tottj) fyt Consoling C&rtst 

ALL vainglory is swallowed up in the 
profundity of Thy judgments over me. 

WHAT is all flesh in Thy sight? 

QHALL clay glory against Him that 
formed it? 

1J-OW can he be puffed up with vain 
talk whose heart is subjected to God in 
truth? 

i\LL the world will not lift him up 
whom truth hath subjected to itself. 

NEITHER will he be moved with the 
tongues of all that praise him, who hath 
settled his whole hope in God. 

F OR even they who speak, behold, 
they are all nothing, for they shall pass 
away with the sound of their words; 
but the truth of the Lord remaineth for 
ever. 



C&ttet our jfftm Conffoenct 

For it is good for me to adhere to my 
God, to put my hope in the Lord God. 

— Ps. 72:28. 

J_jORD, if it be pleasing to Thee, so 
let it be. 

LORD, if it be to Thy honor, let this 
be done in Thy name. 

JLjORD, if Thou seest that this is ex- 
pedient, and approvest it as profitable 
for me, then grant that I may use it to 
Thy honor. 

BUT if Thou knowest that it will be 
hurtful to me, and not profitable for the 
salvation of my soul, take away from me 
such a desire. 

JT OR not every desire is from the 
Holy Ghost, though to man it may seem 
right and good. 

25 



26 jftoments toitj) t&e Conaoiinff C&rtet 

JuORD, Thou knowest what is best; 
let this or that be done as Thou wilt. 

IjrIVE what Thou wilt, and as much as 
Thou wilt, and at what time Thou wilt. 

J_JO with me as Thou knowest, and as 
best pleaseth Thee, and is most for Thy 
honor. 

Jr UT me where Thou wilt, and do with 
me in all things according to Thy will. 

1 AM in Thy hand; turn me hither 
and thither as Thou choosest. 

IjO, I am Thy servant, ready to obey 
Thee in all things; for I do not desire 
to live for myself, but for Thee; oh, 
that I could do so in a worthy and 
perfect manner! 



Cfittet out flDnlg Wit0t 

This is my rest forever and ever: Here 
will I dwell, for I have chosen it. 
— Ps. 131 : U. 



Gi 



rRANT me Thy grace, most merciful 
Jesus, that it may be with me, and labor 
with me, and continue with me unto the 
end. 

VJrRANT me always to will and desire 
that which is most acceptable to Thee, 
and which pleaseth Thee best. 

JLiET Thy will be mine, and let my will 
always follow Thine, and agree perfectly 
with it. 

J_jET me always will or not will the 
same with Thee; and let me not be able 
to will or not to will otherwise than as 
Thou wiliest or wiliest not. 

GrRANT that I may die to all things 
that are in the world, and for Thy sake 

27 



28 Jftomenta tottf) tfce Conaottna C&rtat 

love to be despised, and to be unknown 
to this world. 

GRANT that I may rest in Thee 
above all things desired, and that my 
heart may be at peace in Thee. 

A HOU art the true peace of the heart; 
Thou art its only rest; out of Thee all 
things are hard and restless. 

IN this peace, in the self-same, that is 
in Thee, the one sovereign eternal good, 
I will sleep and take my rest. 

J3E with me, Lord Jesus, in all 
places and at all times. 

JUET this be my consolation, to be 
freely willing to forego all human com- 
fort. 

i\ND if Thy comfort be withdrawn, 
let Thy will and just trial be to me as 
the greatest of comforts. 



Christ out ©nip Refit 29 

_T OR Thou wilt not always be angry, 
nor wilt Thou threaten forever. 



IjORD, what Thou say est is true. 
Greater is Thy care for me than all the 
care I can take of myself. 

_T OR at too great a hazard doth he 
stand who casteth not his whole care on 
Thee. 

J_jORD, provided that my will remain 
true and firm towards Thee, do with me 
whatsoever it shall please Thee. 

F OR it cannot but be good, whatever 
Thou shalt do with me. 



i 



F Thou wilt have me to be in dark- 
ness, be Thou blessed; and if Thou wilt 
have me to be in light, be Thou again 
blessed; if Thou vouchsafe to comfort 
me, be Thou blessed; and if it be Thy 
will I should be afflicted, be Thou still 
equally blessed. 



30 JHomenta tott& fyt Consnltns Cfortet 

JLiORD, I will suffer willingly for Thee 
whatsoever Thou art pleased should 
befall me. 

1 AM willing indifferently to receive 
from Thy hand good and evil, sweet and 
bitter, joy and sorrow, and to give Thee 
thanks for all that happeneth to me. 

JV.EEP me from all sin, and I will fear 
neither death nor hell. 



s 



k50 that Thou cast me not off forever, 
nor blot me out of the book of life, what 
tribulation soever befalleth me shall not 
hurt me. 



C&ttet our dBIottottgf (Kiample 

As the Lord liveth, and as my lord the 
king liveth; in what place soever thou 
shalt be, my lord king, either in death 
or in life, there will thy servant be. 
— 2 Kings 15 : 21. 

JLjORD, because Thou wast patient in 
Thy life-time, herein especially fulfilling 
the commandment of Thy Father, it is 
fitting that I, a wretched sinner, should, 
according to Thy will, bear myself 
patiently, and, as long as Thou pleasest, 
support the burden of this corruptible 
life, in order to my salvation. 

_T OR though this present life is felt 
to be burdensome, yet it is now rendered, 
through Thy grace, very meritorious; 
and by Thy example and the footsteps of 
Thy Saints, more bright and supportable 
to the weak. 

IT is also much more full of consolation 

than it was formerly under the law, when 

31 



32 Jflomenta toitj t^e Condoling: C&riat 

the gate of heaven remained shut; and 
even the way to heaven seemed more 
obscure, when so few concerned them- 
selves to seek the kingdom of heaven. 

MOREOVER, too, they who were 
then just, and to be saved, could not 
enter into Thy heavenly kingdom before 
Thy Passion, and the payment of our 
debt by Thy sacred death. 

vJH, what great thanks am I bound to 
render unto Thee, for having vouchsafed 
to show me and all the faithful a right 
and good way to Thine everlasting 
kingdom! 

JT OR Thy life is our way; and by holy 
patience we walk on to Thee, who art 
our crown. 

IF Thou hadst not gone before and 
instructed us, who would have cared to 
follow? 

ALAS, how many would have stayed 
afar off and a great way behind, had 



C&rtat ottr (glorious ©sample 33 

they not before their eyes Thy glorious 
example! 

IJEHOLD we are still tepid, notwith- 
standing all Thy miracles and instruc- 
tions we have heard; what, then, would 
it be if we had not so great light to 
follow Thee? 



Cfjtisft our place of &tmtgtfi 

Be Thou unto me a God, a protector 
and a place of strength: That Thou 
mayest make me safe. — Ps. 70 : 3. 

1 WILL confess against myself my 
injustice; I will confess to Thee, 
Lord, my infirmity. 

IT is oftentimes a small thing which 
casteth me down and troubleth me. 

I PURPOSE to behave myself valiantly; 
but when a small temptation cometh, I 
am brought into great straits. 

IT is sometimes a very trifling thing 
whence a grievous temptation pro- 
ceedeth. 

i\_ND when I think myself somewhat 
safe, when I least apprehend it, I find 
myself sometimes almost overcome by a 
light blast. 

34 



Christ ant pace of Strenfftf) 35 

JDEHOLD, then, Lord, my abjection 
and frailty, every way known to Thee. 

XXAVE pity on me, and draw me out 
of the mire, that I stick not fast therein, 
that I may not be utterly cast down 
forever. 

1 HIS it is which often drives me back, 
and confounds me in Thy sight, that I 
am so subject to fall, and so powerless to 
resist my passions. 

i\ND although I do not altogether 
consent, yet their assaults are trouble- 
some and grievous to me; and I am 
weary of thus always living in conflict. 

1TENCE my infirmity is made known 
to me; because abominable imaginations 
much more easily rush in upon me than 
they forsake me. 

UK, that Thou, the most mighty God 
of Israel, zealous Lover of faithful souls, 



36 JHomenta toiib t&e Confiolitiff C&tist 

wouldst regard the labor and sorrow of 
Thy servant, and stand by him in all his 
undertakings! 

STRENGTHEN me with heavenly 
fortitude, lest the old man, the miserable 
flesh not fully subdued to the spirit, pre- 
vail and get the upper hand; against 
which we must battle so long as we 
breathe in this most wretched life. 



C&ttgt out anchor at ^ope 

I cried unto Thee, O Lord, and said: 
Thou art my hope, my portion in the 
land of the living. — Ps. 1U1 : 6. 

ABOVE all things, and in all things, 
do thou, my soul, rest always in the Lord, 
for He is the eternal rest of the saints. 

IjrIVE me, most sweet and loving 
Jesus, to repose in Thee above all things 
created: above all health and beauty; 
above all glory and honor; above all 
power and dignity; above all knowledge 
and subtlety; above all riches and arts; 
above all joy and gladness; above all 
fame and praise; above all sweetness 
and consolation; above all hope and 
promise; above all merit and desire; 
above all gifts and presents that Thou 
canst give and infuse; above all joy and 
jubilation that the mind can contain or 
feel; in fine, above all angels and arch- 
angels, and all the host of heaven; above 
37 



38 JHomenta tottf) t|)e Confiiolinff Cfcrtet 

all things visible and invisible; and 
above all that is not Thee, my God; 
for Thou, my God, art supremely good 
above all things. 

1HOU alone art high; Thou alone 
most powerful; Thou alone most full 
and most sufficient; Thou alone most 
sweet and most full of consolation. 



JL HOU alone most beautiful and most 
loving; Thou alone most noble and most 
glorious above all things; in whom are all 
that are both good and perfect, and 
always have been and always will be. 

AND therefore all is too little and 
insufficient, whatever Thou bestowest 
upon me, that is not Thyself; and 
whatever Thou revealest to me con- 
cerning Thyself, or promisest, as long as 
I see Thee not, nor fully possess Thee; 
because indeed my heart cannot truly 
rest, nor be entirely contented, till it 
rest in Thee, and transcend every gift 
and every creature. 



C&rtst ottr ancljor of $>ope 39 

vJ MY most beloved Spouse, Christ 
Jesus, most pure Lover, Lord of the 
whole creation! who will give me the 
wings of true liberty, to fly and repose in 
Thee? 

L/H, when shall it be fully granted me 
to be free, and to see how sweet Thou 
art, Lord my God? 

WHEN shall I fully collect myself in 
Thee, that through Thy love I may not 
feel myself, but Thee alone, above all 
feeling and measure, in a manner not 
known to all? 

_DUT now I often lament, and bear 
with grief, my unhappiness. 

JDECAUSE many evils happen in this 
vale of miseries, which frequently disturb 
me, afflict me, and cast a cloud over me; 
often do they hinder and distract me, 
allure and entangle me, so that I can 
neither have free access to Thee, nor 
enjoy Thy sweet embraces, which are 
ever present to blessed spirits. 



40 JWomentd toitl) ti)t Consoling; C&tist 

vJH, let my sighs move Thee, and this 
my manifold desolation upon earth. 

\J JESUS, Brightness of eternal glory, 
the Comfort of the pilgrim souls, with 
Thee is my mouth without voice, and 
my silence speaketh to Thee. 

XxOW long doth my Lord delay to 
come? Let Him come to me, His poor 
servant, and make me joyful. Let Him 
stretch forth His hand y and deliver me, 
wretched, from all anguish. 

vjOME, oh, come, for without Thee I 
can never have one joyful day nor hour; 
for Thou art my joy, and without Thee 
my table is empty. 

1 AM miserable, and in a manner im- 
prisoned, and weighed down with fetters, 
till, with the light of Thy presence, 
Thou comfortest me, givest me liberty 
and showest me Thy friendly counte- 
nance. 



C&rifiit our ancfjor of 5>ope 41 

JljET others seek, instead of Thee, 
whatever else they please; nothing else 
meanwhile doth or shall please me, but 
Thou, my God, my hope, my eternal 
salvation. 

1 WILL not hold my peace, nor will I 
cease to pray, till Thy grace return, and 
Thou say est interiorly to me: Behold, 
here I am; behold, I come to thee, 
because thou hast called Me. 

1 HY tears, and the desire of thy soul, 
thy humiliation and contrition of heart, 
have inclined and brought Me to thee. 

AND I said, Lord, I have called 
upon Thee, and have desired to enjoy 
Thee, and am prepared to reject all 
things for Thy sake. 

F OR Thou didst first stir me up, that 
I should seek Thee. Be Thou therefore 
blessed, Lord, who hath showed this 
goodness to Thy servant, according to 
the multitude of Thy mercies. 



42 ^omenta tottl) t&e Conaoiins Cfcruit 

WHAT more hath Thy servant to 
say in Thy presence, but to humble him- 
self exceedingly before Thee, mindful 
always of his own iniquity and vileness? 

Jr OR there is none like to Thee amongst 
all the wonders of heaven and earth. 

1 HY works are exceedingly good, Thy 
judgments true, and by Thy providence 
the universe is ruled. 

i RAISE, therefore, and glory be to 
Thee, Wisdom of the Father; let my 
tongue, my soul, and all things created, 
join in praising and blessing Thee. 



C&ttet our ^ttgt 3Uto 

My son, forget not My law, and let thy 
heart keep My commandments. 

— Prov. 3:1. 



o 



PEN, Lord, my heart, in Thy law, 
and teach me to walk in Thy command- 
ments. 



Gi 



rIVE me grace to understand Thy 
will, and to commemorate, with great 
reverence and diligent consideration, all 
Thy benefits, as well in general as in 
particular, so that henceforward I may 
be able worthily to return thanks for 
them. 

1 KNOW and confess, indeed, that I 
am not able to return Thee due thanks 
of praise, not even for the least. 

1 AM less than any of Thy benefits 
bestowed upon me; and when I consider 
Thy excellency, my spirit fainteth before 
the greatness thereof. 
43 



44 JKoments tottlj tlje Condoling: Cfcrtet 

i\.LL things that we have in soul and 
body, and whatsoever outwardly and 
inwardly, naturally or supernaturally, 
we possess, are Thy benefits, and cele- 
brate Thy bounty, mercy, and goodness, 
from whom we have received all good. 

ALTHOUGH one hath received more, 
another less, yet all are Thine, and 
without Thee even the least cannot be 
had. 

JLlE who hath received greater things, 
cannot glory of his own merit, nor extol 
himself above others, nor exult over the 
lesser; because he is indeed greater and 
better, who attributeth less to himself, 
and is more humble and devout in return- 
ing thanks. 

iVND he who esteemeth himself the 
vilest of all men, and judgeth himself 
the most unworthy, is fitted to receive 
still greater blessings. 

J3UT he who hath received fewer ought 
not to be saddened, nor take it ill, nor 



Cbrtat our ^ttat Lata 45 

envy him that is more enriched; but 
attend rather to Thee, and very much 
praise Thy goodness, for that Thou 
bestowest Thy gifts so plentifully, so 
freely and willingly, without acceptance 
of persons. 

i\LL things are from Thee, and there- 
fore Thou art to be praised in all. 

JL HOU knowest what is expedient to 
be given to each; and why this one hath 
less, and the other more, is not ours to 
decide, but Thine, with whom are 
determined the merits of each. 

WHEREFORE, Lord God, I deem 
it a great benefit not to have much 
which outwardly and according to men 
might appear praiseworthy and glorious; 
for Thou, God, hast chosen the poor 
and the humble, and those that are 
despised by this world, for Thy familiar 
friends and domestics. 

1 HE Apostles themselves are witnesses, 
whom Thou hast appointed rulers over 
the whole earth. 



46 JRomente tottl) tfte Conisalinff Christ 

AND yet they lived in this world 
without complaint, so humble and simple 
without any malice or guile, that they 
even rejoiced to suffer reproaches for 
Thy name; and what things the world 
flies from, those they embraced with 
great affection. 

NOTHING, therefore, ought to give 
so great a joy to one that loveth Thee 
and knoweth Thy benefits, as the accom- 
plishment of Thy will in himself, and the 
good pleasure of Thy eternal appoint- 
ment. 

WlTH which He ought to be so far 
contented and comforted as to be as 
willing to be the least as any one would 
wish to be the greatest; to enjoy as much 
peace and content in the lowest place as 
in the highest; and to be as willing to 
be despicable and mean and of no name 
and repute, as to be more honorable and 
of greater rank in the world than others. 

FOR Thy will and the love of Thy 
honor ought to take precedence of all 



C&risit our 3C ttdt iato 47 

things, and to comfort and please one 
more than any benefits whatsoever which 
have been or can be given. 

JLSUT Thou, Lord, who canst do all 
things, and always lovest the profit of 
the soul, increase in me a greater grace, 
that I may fulfill this Thy work, and 
accomplish my salvation. 



Cfjrtet our JLMn$ Wiav 

Lead me, O Lord, in Thy way, and I 

will walk in Thy truth; let my heart 

rejoice that it may fear Thy name. 

— Ps. 85:11. 

\J LORD, my God, depart not far 
from me; my God, have regard to 
help me; for divers evil thoughts have 
risen up against me, and great fears 
afflict my soul. 

XlOW shall I pass without hurt? 
How shall I break through them? 

IjET all wicked thoughts, Lord, fly 
from before Thy face. 

1 HIS is my hope and my only comfort, 
to fly to Thee in all tribulations, to con- 
fide in Thee, to call on Thee from my 
inmost heart, and patiently to look for 
Thy consolation. 

48 



C&riat our itotna; Wz? 49 

IVlAY Thy grace, Lord, make that 
possible to me, which seems impossible 
to me by nature. 

1 HOU knowest that I can bear but 
little, and that I am quickly cast down by 
a small adversity. 

J_jET all exercises of tribulation become 
lovely and most desirable to me, for Thy 
name's sake: for to suffer and to be 
afflicted for Thee is very healthful for 
my soul. 



Cfitigt out Jttnt ailing 3Li£f)t 

In Thy light we shall see light. 

— Ps.35:10. 

Enlighten me, o good Jesus, with 

the brightness of internal light, and cast 
out all darkness from the dwelling of my 
heart. 

JLVESTRAIN my many wandering 
thoughts, and destroy the temptations 
that violently assault me. 

JT IGHT strongly for me, and overcome 
these wicked beasts, these alluring con- 
cupiscences, that peace may be made in 
Thy power, and the abundance of Thy 
praise may resound in Thy holy court, 
that is, a clean conscience. 

COMMAND the winds and storms; 
say to the sea: Be still; to the north 
wind, Blow thou not; and there shall be 
a great calm. 

50 



C&ttet our Unfailing: Lifffct 51 

SEND forth Thy light and Thy truth, 
that they may shine upon the earth; 
for I am an earth that is empty and void, 
till Thou enlightenest me. 

Jl OUR forth Thy grace from above; 
water my heart with the dew of heaven; 
supply fresh waters of devotion, to wash 
the face of the earth, to bring forth good 
and perfect fruit. 

JLilFT up my mind, oppressed with the 
load of sins, and raise my whole desire 
towards heavenly things; that having 
tasted the sweetness of supernal happi- 
ness, I may have no pleasure in thinking 
of the things of earth. 

lJRAW me away, and deliver me from 
all unstable comfort of creatures; for 
no created thing can fully quiet and 
satisfy my desire. 

J OIN me to Thyself by an inseparable 
bond of love; for Thou alone art suffi- 
cient for the soul that loveth Thee, and 
without Thee all other things are 
frivolous. 



C&ttet out jfattfrful (Buttie 

I will give thee understanding and I 

will instruct thee in the way thou shalt 

go; I will fix mine eyes upon thee. 

— Ps. 31 : 8. 

JLjORD, this is the work of a perfect 
man, never to let the mind slacken from 
attending to heavenly things, and to pass 
through many cares, as it were without 
care; not after the manner of an indolent 
person, but by a certain prerogative of a 
free mind, not cleaving with an inordi- 
nate affection to anything created. 

PRESERVE me, I beseech Thee, 
my most merciful Lord, from the cares 
of this life, that I be not too much 
entangled by them; from the many 
necessities of the body, that I be not 
ensnared by pleasure; and from all 
hindrances of the soul, lest, being over- 
come by troubles, I be quite cast down. 

1 DO not say from those things which 

worldly vanity covets with so much 

52 



CJmat our jFatt&M (Buittz 53 

eagerness; but from those miseries, 
which, by the general curse of our mor- 
tality, as punishments, weigh down and 
keep back the soul of Thy servant from 
being able, when it will, to enter into 
liberty of spirit. 

\J MY God, who art unspeakable 
sweetness, make me look upon as bitter, 
all carnal comfort which withdraws me 
from the love of things eternal, and 
wickedly allures me to itself, by setting 
before me a certain present delightful 
good. 

MY God, let not flesh and blood 
prevail over me; let it not overcome me; 
let not the world and its transitory glory 
deceive me; let not the devil supplant 
me by his craftiness. 

vJTlVE me courage to resist, patience 
to endure, and constancy to persevere. 

vJlVE me, instead of all worldly con- 
solation, the most sweet unction of Thy 



54 ^omenta toitfc tj)e Consalinff Christ 

spirit; and instead of carnal love, infuse 
into me the love of Thy name. 

JDEHOLD, eating, drinking, clothing, 
and other necessaries pertaining to the 
support of the body, are burdensome to 
a fervent spirit. 

VJrRANT that I may use such things 
with moderation, and not be entangled 
with any inordinate affection. 

IT is not lawful to cast them all away, 
for nature must be supported; but to 
require superfluities, and such things as 
are most delightful, Thy holy law for- 
bids; for otherwise the flesh would grow 
insolent against the spirit. 

IN all this I beseech Thee let Thy hand 
govern and direct me, that I may in no 
way exceed. 



C&tfet out lijfo&m flflitebom 

And God hath given to me to speak as 
I would, and to conceive thoughts 
worthy of those things that are given 
me; because He is the guide of wisdom, 
and the director of the wise. 

— Wis. 7: 15. 



G 



ONFIRM me, God, by the grace 
of Thy Holy Spirit. Grant me power to 
be strengthened in the inward man, 
and to cast out of my heart all unprofit- 
able care and trouble. Let me not be 
drawn away with various desires of any 
thing whatsoever, whether it be of little 
or great value; but teach me to look 
upon all things as passing away, and 
myself as passing along with them. 

Jr OR nothing is lasting under the sun, 
where all is vanity and affliction of spirit. 
Oh, how wise is he who considers things 
in this manner! 



Gi 



rRANT me, Lord, heavenly wis- 
dom, that I may learn above all things 
55 



56 Jlomentg toify fyt Consoling Christ 

to seek Thee, and to find Thee; above all 
things to relish Thee and to love Thee; 
and to understand all other things as 
they are, according to the order of Thy 
wisdom. 

vjrRANT that I may prudently avoid 
him that flattereth me, and patiently 
bear with him that contradicteth me. 

F OR it is great wisdom not to be moved 
with every kind of words, nor to give ear 
to the wicked flattering siren; for thus 
shall we go on securely in the way we 
have begun. 



C&rist out S^erctful SDdttatet 

Keep Thou my soul, and deliver 
me. — Ps. 24 ; 20. 

BLESSED, Lord, be Thy name 
forever, who hast been pleased that this 
trial and tribulation should come upon 
me. 

1 CANNOT escape it, but must of 
necessity fly to Thee; that Thou may est 
help me, and turn it to my good. 

JLiORD, I am now in tribulation, and 
my heart is not at ease; but I am much 
afflicted with my present suffering. 

AND now, beloved Father, what shall 
I say? I am taken, Lord, in these 
straits; Oh, save me from this hour! 

-DUT for this reason I came unto this 
hour, that Thou mightest be glorified, 

57 



58 Jftomente tottf) tjje Conjoints Christ 

when I shall be exceedingly humbled, 
and delivered by Thee. 

MAY it please Thee, Lord, to de- 
liver me; for, poor wretch that I am, 
what can I do, and whither shall I go 
without Thee? 

(jrlVE me patience, Lord, at this 
time also. 

JJLELP me, my God, and I will not 
fear how much soever I may be oppressed. 

AND now in the midst of these things, 
what shall I say? Lord, Thy will be 
done; I have well deserved to be afflicted 
and troubled. 

1 MUST needs bear it, and would 
that it were with patience, till the storm 
pass over, and it grow better. 

J3UT Thy Almighty hand is able to 
take away from me this temptation also, 



C&rtat ottr ^jHercifttl SDeltoerer 59 

and to moderate its violence, as Thou 
hast often done heretofore for me, lest 
I quite sink under it, my God, my 
mercy ! 

AND how much the more difficult this 
is to me, so much the easier to Thee is 
this change of the right hand of the Most 
High. 

IjORD, I stand much in need of a 
grace yet greater, if I must arrive so far 
that it may not be in the power of any 
man nor any thing created to hinder me. 

JT OR as long as any thing holds me 
back, I cannot freely fly to Thee. 

llE was desirous to fly freely to Thee 
who said: Who will give me wings like a 
dove, and I will fly and be at rest? 



Cljttet out Strong ^Defence 

Take up Thy arms and buckler, arise 
to help me. Say to my soul, I am thy 
Saviour. — Ps. 3h : 2-3. 

BEHOLD, my God and my all! What 
would I more, and what greater happiness 
can I desire? 

SWEET and savory Word! but to 
him that loveth the Word, not the world 
nor the things that are in the world. 

My God and my all! To one that 
understandeth sufficient is said; to one 
that loveth, to repeat it often is delight- 
ful. 

F OR when Thou art present, all things 
yield delight; but when Thou art absent, 
all things are loathsome. 

x HOU givest a tranquil heart, great 
peace, and festive joy. 
60 



C&tist our ^trona; defence 61 



1 HOU makest us to think well of all 
things, and praise Thee in all things, nor 
can anything without Thee afford any 
lasting pleasure; but to make it agree- 
able and well-pleasing to us, Thy grace 
must be present, and it must be seasoned 
with the savor of Thy wisdom. 

\J LIGHT eternal, transcending all 
created lights, dart forth Thy light from 
above, that it may penetrate all the secret 
recesses of my heart. 

v><LEANSE, cheer, enlighten, and en- 
liven my spirit with its powers, that it 
may be absorbed in Thee with ecstasies 
of joy. 







H, when will this blessed and de- 
sirable hour come, when Thou shalt fill 
me with Thy presence, and become to 
me all in all? 



!^0 long as this is not granted, my joy 
will not be full. 



62 Jftoment* toitf) t|)e Conaoiinff C&tist 

ixLAS, the old man is still living in 
me; he is not wholly crucified, he is not 
perfectly dead. 

XlE still lusts strongly against the 
spirit; he wages war within me, and 
suffers not the kingdom of my soul to be 
quiet. 

JDUT Thou, who rulest over the power 
of the sea, and stillest the motion of 
its waves, arise and help me. 

SCATTER Thou the nations that de- 
light in wars; crush them by Thy power. 

SHOW forth, I beseech Thee, Thy 
wonderful works, and let Thy right hand 
be glorified; for there is no hope nor 
refuge for me but in Thee, Lord my 
God. 



C&ttet our jFtttttte d&lotp 

I will give glory to Thee because Thou 
hast heard me; and art become my 
salvation. — Ps. 117 : 21 

JLjORD, what is man, that Thou art 
mindful of him; or the son of man, that 
Thou visitest him? 

WHAT hath man deserved, that 
Thou shouldst give him Thy grace? 

LjORD, what cause have I to complain, 
if Thou forsake me? or what can I justly 
allege, if Thou refuse to grant my peti- 
tion? 

1 HIS, indeed, I may truly think and 
say: Lord, I am nothing, I can do noth- 
ing, I have nothing of myself that is 
good; but I fail and am defective in all 
things, and ever tend to nothing. 
63 



64 foments toitfc tlje Consoling; Cfcrtet 

AND unless I am supported and 
interiorly instructed by Thee, I become 
quite tepid and relaxed. 

BUT Thou, Lord, art always the 
same, and endurest forever; always good, 
just and holy; doing all things well, 
justly and holily; and disposing them in 
wisdom. 

JDUT I, who am more inclined to go 
back than to go forward, continue not 
always in one state; for seven different 
times are changed over me. 

jL ET it quickly becometh better when 
it pleaseth Thee, and Thou stretchest 
out Thy helping hand; for Thou alone, 
without man's aid, canst assist and so 
strengthen me, that my countenance 
shall be no more changed, but my heart 
shall be converted, and take its rest in 
Thee alone. 

Wherefore, if i did but well 

know how to cast away from me all hu- 



Christ our jFutttve (Slorp 65 

man comfort, either for the sake of 
devotion, or through the necessity of 
seeking Thee, because there is no man 
that can comfort me, then might I justly 
depend on Thy grace and rejoice in the 
gift of new consolation. 

1 HANKS be to Thee, from whom all 
proceeds, as often as it goes well with 
me. 

1, INDEED, am but vanity, and noth- 
ing in Thy sight; an inconstant and weak 
man. 

W HAT have I, then, to glory in? or 
why do I desire to be esteemed? But 
true glory and holy joy is to glory in 
Thee, and not in one's self; to rejoice 
in Thy name, and not to be delighted in 
one's own virtue, nor in any creature, 
save only for Thy sake. 

IjET Thy name be praised, not mine; 
let Thy work be extolled, not mine; let 
Thy holy name be blessed, but to me let 



66 foments toitj) t&e Conaolina; C&ttet 

nothing be attributed of the praises of 
men. 

1 HOU art my glory, Thou art the joy 
of my heart. 

±N Thee will I glory, and rejoice all 
the day; but for myself I will glory in 
nothing but in my infirmities. 

JLjET the Jews seek the glory which 
one man receives from another: I will 
seek that which is from God alone. 

i\LL human glory, all temporal honor, 
all worldly grandeur, compared to Thy 
eternal glory, is but vanity and folly. 

\J MY truth and my mercy! my God! 
blessed Trinity! to Thee alone be all 
praise, honor, power, and glory, for 
endless ages of ages. 



C&ttet our %ttte jFtfend 

Love Him, and keep Him for thy 
Friend, who when all go away, will not 
forsake thee, nor suffer thee to perish 
at the last. — X Kempis. 

JLjORD, we are in blindness, and are 
quickly seduced by vanity. If I look 
well into myself, never was any injury 
done me by any creature, and therefore 
I cannot justly complain of Thee. 

JDUT since I have often and grievously 
sinned against Thee, every creature is 
deservedly armed against me. 

1 me therefore confusion and con- 
tempt are justly due; but to Thee praise, 
honor and glory. 

i\'ND unless I put myself in this dis- 
position, to be willing to be despised and 
forsaken by all creatures, and to be 
esteemed altogether nothing, I cannot 
67 



68 foments tottl) tlje Consoling Cfottet 

arrive at inward peace and strength, nor 
be spiritually enlightened, nor fully united 
to Thee. 

GRANT me help, Lord, in my 
tribulation, for vain is the aid of man. 

XI OW often have I not found faithful- 
ness there where I thought I might 
depend upon it. 

AND how often have I found it where 
I did not expect it. 

VAIN therefore is all hope in man; 
but the safety of the just is in Thee, 
Lord. 

BLESSED be Thou, Lord my God, 
in all things that befall us. 

WE are weak and unsteadfast, we 
are easily deceived and changed. 

W HO is the man that is able to keep 
himself so warily and so circumspectly 



CJjrifit our Crtte JFrientr 69 

in all things, as not to fall sometimes into 
delusion or perplexity? 

OUT he that trusts in Thee, Lord, 
and seeks Thee with a simple heart, does 
not so easily fall. 

AND if he falls into some tribulation, 
in what manner soever he may be en- 
tangled therewith, he will be quickly 
rescued or comforted by Thee; for Thou 
wilt not forsake forever him that trusts 
in Thee. 

A TRUSTY friend is rarely to be 
found, that continues faithful in all the 
distresses of his friend. 

1 HOU, Lord, Thou alone art most 
faithful in all things, and besides Thee, 
there is no other such. 

VjH, how wise was that holy soul that 
said: My mind is strongly settled and 
grounded upon Christ. 



70 foments tottj) t|)e Canaolinff C&tiat 

IF it were so with me, the fear of man 
would not so easily give me trouble, nor 
flying words move me. 

WHO can foresee all things, or who 
is able to provide against future evils? 

IF things foreseen do nevertheless often 
hurt us, how can things unlooked for 
fail to wound us grievously? 

Jt)UT why did I not provide better for 
myself, miserable wretch that I am? 
Why also have I so easily placed confi- 
dence in others? 

J3UT we are men, and but frail men, 
though by many we are reputed and 
called angels. 

IN whom shall I put 8 my trust, Lord, 
in whom but Thee? Thou art the 
Truth, which canst neither deceive nor 
be deceived. 



Cjjrtet ottr STrtte jFrtentt 7l 

i\ND on the other hand, every man is a 
liar, weak, unstable, and subject to fail, 
especially in words; so that we ought 
not readily to believe even that which 
in appearance seems to sound well. 

ixOW wisely dost thou forewarn us to 
take heed of men, and that a man's 
enemies are those of his own household, 
and that we are not to believe, if any 
one should say: Behold here, or behold 
there. 

1 HAVE been taught to my cost, and 
I wish it may serve to make me more 
cautious, and not increase my folly. 

J3E wary, saith one, be wary, keep to 
thyself what I tell thee. And whilst I 
hold my peace, and believe the matter 
to be secret, he himself cannot keep the 
secret which he desires me to keep, but 
presently betrays both me and himself, 
and goes his way. 

_T ROM such foolish speech and such 
unwary people defend me, Lord, that 



72 jflomenta toify tfce Consoling; C&tiat 

I may not fall into their hands, nor ever 
commit the like. 

vJTlVE to my mouth truth and con- 
stancy in my words, and remove far 
from me a crafty tongue. 

WHAT I am not willing to suffer, I 
ought by all means to shun. 

v/H, how good and how peaceful it is 
to be silent about others, and not to 
believe all that is said, nor easily to 
report what one has heard; to lay one's 
self open to few; always to seek Thee, 
the Beholder of the heart, and not to be 
carried about with every wind of words; 
but to wish that all things, both within 
and without us, may be accomplished 
according to the pleasure of Thy will! 



C&rtet out ^fjwne of 9®tttv 

A throne shall be prepared in Mercy, 
and One shall sit upon it in truth in the 
Tabernacle of David. — Is. 16 : 5. 

VJ LORD God, the just Judge, strong 
and patient, who knowest the frailty and 
perverseness of me, be Thou my strength, 
my entire confidence, for my own con- 
science sufficeth me not. 

1 HOU knowest that which I know 
not; and therefore in every reprehension 
I ought to humble myself, and bear it 
with meekness. 



FARDON me, I beesech Thee, in Thy 
mercy, as often as I have not done thus, 
and give me in future the grace to suffer 
still more. 

r OR better to me is Thy great mercy, 

for the obtaining of pardon, than the 

73 



74 ^omenta tottf) t\)t Conaotms Cjjttst 

justice which I imagine in myself for the 
defence of my hidden conscience. 

ALTHOUGH my conscience accuse me 
not, yet I cannot hereby justify myself; 
for setting Thy mercy aside, no man 
living shall be justified in Thy sight. 



Cfjtfgit out (fcbtila&tixis Joy 

The redeemed of the Lord shall return 
and shall come into Sion with praise, 
and everlasting joy shall be upon their 
heads. — Is. 35 : 10. 

\J MOST happy mansion of the city 
above! most bright day of eternity, 
which knows no night, but is always 
enlightened by the Sovereign Truth! a 
day always joyful, always secure, and 
never changing its state for the contrary! 

vjH, that this day would shine upon us, 
and all those temporal things would come 
to an end! 

±T shines indeed upon the saints, re- 
splendent with everlasting brightness; 
but to us pilgrims upon earth it is seen 
only as afar off, and through a glass. 

1 HE citizens of heaven know how 

joyful that day is; but we poor exiled 

75 



76 JHomentfii tott|) tj)e Consoling Clmst 

children of Eve mourn that this our day 
is bitter and tedious. 

A HE days of this life are short and 
evil, full of sorrows and miseries; where 
man is defiled with many sins, ensnared 
with many passions, attacked with many 
cares, encompassed with many errors, 
worn with many labors, troubled with 
temptations, weakened with pleasures, 
tormented with want. 

L/H, when will there be an end of these 
evils? When shall I be set at liberty 
from the wretched slavery of sin? 

WHEN, Lord, shall I think of Thee 
alone? When shall I fully rejoice in 
Thee? 

W HEN shall I be without any impedi- 
ment to true liberty, and without any 
trouble of mind or body? 

WHEN shall I enjoy a solid peace 
never to be disturbed, and always secure, 



C&rtet our ©toeriaatmg; 3Top 77 

a peace both within and without, and a 
peace every way secure? 

VjrOOD Jesus, when shall I stand to 
behold Thee? When shall I contemplate 
the glory of Thy kingdom? When wilt 
Thou be all in all to me? 

WH, when shall I be with Thee in Thy 
kingdom, which Thou hast prepared for 
Thy beloved from all eternity? 

1 AM left poor and exile in an enemy's 
country, where there are daily wars and 
grievous misfortunes. 

COMFORT me in my banishment, 
soothe my sorrow; for my every desire 
aspires to Thee, and all that this world 
offers for my comfort is burdensome to 
me. 

1 LONG to enjoy thee intimately, but 
cannot attain to it. 



78 JHomentfii tottj) ti)e Condoling; C&tist 

1 DESIRE to cleave to heavenly things, 
but the things of this life and my un- 
mortified passions bear me down. I am 
willing in mind to be above all things, 
but by the flesh am forced against my 
will to be subject to them. 

1 HUS, unhappy man that I am, I 
fight with myself, and am become burden- 
some to myself, whilst the spirit seeks to 
tend upwards, and the flesh downwards. 

L/H, what do I suffer interiorly, whilst 
in my mind I consider heavenly things; 
and presently a crowd of carnal thoughts 
interrupt my prayer! my God, re- 
move not Thyself afar from me, and 
depart not in anger from Thy servant. 

DART forth Thy lightning, and 
disperse them; shoot Thy arrows, and 
let all the phantoms of the enemy be 
put to flight. 

RECOLLECT my senses in Thee; 
make me forget all worldly things ; give me 



Cfmat our ffitoerlaatmg; 3Jo? 79 

the grace speedily to cast away and to 
despise all wicked imaginations. 

C<OME to my aid, eternal Truth, 
that no vanity may move me. 

(jOME, heavenly sweetness, and let all 
impurity fly from before Thy face. 

JT ARDON me also, and mercifully for- 
give me the times that I have thought of 
anything else in prayer besides Thee. 

r OR I confess truly that I am accus- 
tomed to be very much distracted. 

JT OR oftentimes I am not there where 
I am bodily standing or sitting, but am 
rather there where my thoughts carry 
me. 



1 HERE is where I am, where my 
thought is; and there oftentimes is my 
thought where that is which I love. 



80 Jftomcnte; tottl) tlje Consoling Christ 

JL HAT thing most readily comes to my 
mind which naturally delights me, or 
which through custom is pleasing to me. 

JT OR this reason Thou, who art the 
Truth, hast plainly said: Where thy 
treasure is there also is thy heart. 

IF I love heaven I willingly think on 
heavenly things. 

IF I love the world, I rejoice in the 
prosperity of the world, and am troubled 
at its adversity. 

IF I love the flesh, my imagination is 
often taken up with the things of the 
flesh. 

IF I love the spirit, I delight to think 
of spiritual things. 

JT OR whatsoever things I love, of the 
same I willingly speak and hear, and 
carry home with me the images of them. 



eimat our everlasting go? 81 

jDUT blessed is the man who for Thee, 
Lord, abandons all things created; 
who offers violence to his nature, and 
through fervor of spirit crucifies the lusts 
of the flesh; that so, with a serene con- 
science, he may offer to thee pure prayer, 
and become worthy to be admitted among 
the choir of angels, having excluded 
himself both exteriorly and interiorly 
from all things of earth. 



Cfjttet out 3lt&&tti l&egignation 

Behold, I come to do Thy will, O God. 
I have desired it. — Ps. 39 : 9. 

LORD God, holy Father, be 
Thou now forever blessed; for as Thou 
wilt, so is it done; and what Thou doest 
is always good. 

J_jET Thy servant rejoice in Thee, not 
in himself, nor in any other; for Thou 
alone art true joy, Thou art my hope and 
my crown, my gladness and my honor, 

Lord. 

WHAT hath Thy servant but what 
he hath received from Thee, and this 
without any merit on his part? All 
things are Thine, which Thou hast given, 
and which Thou hast made. 

1 AM poor, and in labors from my 
youth; and my soul is saddened some- 
times even unto tears, and sometimes, 

82 



C&rtet ottr ^Sleaaefc Keatffnatton 83 

too, my spirit is disturbed within itself 
by reason of impending suffering. 

1 LONG for the joy of peace; I beg for 
the peace of Thy children, who are fed 
by Thee in the light of Thy consolation. 

IF Thou givest peace, if Thou infusest 
holy joy, the soul of Thy servant shall be 
full of melody, and devout in Thy praise. 

OUT if Thou withdrawest Thyself, as 
Thou art very often accustomed to do, 
he will not be able to run in the way of 
Thy commandments; but rather must 
bow down his knees, and strike his 
breast, because it is not with him as it 
was yesterday, and the day before, when 
Thy lamp shone over his head, and he 
was protected under the shadow of Thy 
wings from temptations rushing in upon 
him. 

\J JUST Father, holy and always to be 
praised, the hour is come for Thy servant 
to be tried. 



84 JHomenta tott!) tfje Consolinji Christ 

FATHER, worthy of all love, it is 
fitting that Thy servant should at this 
hour suffer something for Thee. 

FATHER, always to be honored, 
the hour is come which Thou didst foresee 
from all eternity, that Thy servant for a 
short time should be oppressed exteriorly, 
but interiorly should ever live unto Thee; 
that he should be a little slighted and 
humbled, and should fail in the sight of 
men; that he should be severely afflicted 
with sufferings and disease, that so he 
may rise again with Thee in the dawning 
of a new light, and be glorified in heaven. 

HOLY Father, Thou hast so ap- 
pointed, and such is Thy will; and that 
has come to pass which Thou hast 
ordained. 

r OR this is a favor to Thy friend, that 
he should suffer and be afflicted in this 
world, for the love of Thee; how often 
soever, and by whomsoever Thou per-' 
mittest it to befall him, 



Ctmst our ^Slesaefc Kestgnatian 85 

WlTHOUT Thy design and provi- 
dence, and without cause, nothing hap- 
pens in this world. 

IT is good for me, Lord, that Thou 
hast humbled me, that I may learn Thy 
justifications, and that I may cast away 
from me all pride of heart and presump- 
tion. 

IT is profitable for me that shame has 
covered my face, that I may rather seek 
my comfort from Thee than from men. 

1 HAVE also learned hereby to fear 
Thy impenetrable judgments, who af- 
flictest the just together with the wicked, 
but not without equity and justice. 

THANKS be to Thee, that Thou hast 
not spared me in my sufferings, but hast 
bruised me with bitter stripes, inflicting 
pains, and sending distress both within 
and without. 

AND of all things under heaven, there 
is none can comfort me but Thou, 



86 ifHomenta toify X^t JJDonsoltng; Cbrtet 

Lord, my God, the heavenly physician of 
souls, who woundest and healest, bringest 
down to hell, and leadest back again. 

J_ HY discipline is upon me, and Thy 
rod itself shall instruct me. 

OEHOLD, beloved Father, I am in 
Thy hands; I bow myself down under 
the rod of Thy correction. 

OTRIKE Thou my back and my neck, 
that I may bend my perversity to Thy 
will. 

lVlAKE me a pious and humble 
disciple, as Thou in Thy goodness art 
wont to do, that I may walk according 
to every indication of Thy will. 

_L Thee I commit myself and all that 
is mine, to be corrected by Thee; it is 
better to be chastised here than hereafter. 

1H0U knowest everything, and there 
is nothing in man's conscience hidden 
from Thee. 



C&ttat ottr ^Slesaefc JBUatsnatton 87 

1 HOU knowest things to come before 
they happen; and Thou hast no need to 
be taught or admonished by any one of 
what is being done on earth. 

JlHOU knowest what is expedient for 
my progress, and how serviceable tribula- 
tion is to rub away the rust of sin. 

jDO with me according to Thy good 
pleasure; it is what I desire; and despise 
not my sinful life, to no one better or 
more clearly known than to Thyself 
alone. 

GRANT, Lord, that I may know 
what I ought to know; that I may love 
what I ought to love; that I may praise 
that which is most pleasing to Thee; 
that I may esteem that which is valuable 
in Thy sight; that I may despise that 
which is despicable in thy eyes. 

BUFFER me not to judge according 
to the sight of the outward eyes, nor to 
give sentence according to the hearing 



88 Jftoments )niib tfce Concolina: Christ 

of the ears of men, that know not what 
they are about; but to determine both 
of visible and spiritual matters with true 
judgment and above all things ever to 
seek Thy good will and pleasure. 



C&ttet our l&opal J&ar&on 

For I know that Thou art a gracious 

and merciful God, patient and of much 

compassion, and easy to forgive evil. 

— Jonas 4 : 2. 



J_jORD, I am not worthy of Thy con- 
solation, or any spiritual visitation; and 
therefore Thou dealest justly with me, 
when Thou leavest me poor and desolate. 

JT OR if I could shed tears like a sea, 
yet should I not be worthy of Thy 
comfort. 

WHEREFORE I deserve nothing else 
but to be scourged and punished, because 
I have grievously and often offended 
Thee, and in many things have very 
much sinned against Thee. 

!^0 that, according to just reason, I do 
not deserve the least consolation. 
89 



90 iflomentfii toitl) t\)t Consoling; C&rtst 

JDUT Thou, who art a good and merci- 
ful God, who wilt not have Thy works 
perish, to show the riches of Thy good- 
ness towards the vessels of mercy, vouch- 
safest beyond all his deserts to comfort 
Thy servant above human measure. 

Jr OR Thy consolations are not like the 
consolations of men. 

WHAT have I done, Lord, that 
Thou shouldst impart to me Thy heavenly 
comfort? 

1 CAN remember nothing of good that 
I have ever done, but that I was always 
prone to vice, and very slow towards 
amendment. 

IT is the truth, and I cannot deny it. 
If I should say otherwise, Thou wouldst 
stand against me, and there would be 
none to defend me. 

WHAT have I deserved for my sins 
but hell and everlasting fire? In truth, 



Cfjrtst our Hopal JJarfcon 91 

I confess that I am worthy of all scorn 
and contempt, neither is it fitting that 
I should be named among Thy devout 
servants. And though it goes against 
me to hear this, yet for truth's sake I 
will condemn myself for my sins, that 
so I may the easier obtain Thy mercy. 

W HAT shall I say, guilty as I am, and 
full of all confusion? 

1VJ_Y mouth can utter nothing but only 
this one word: I have sinned, Lord, 
I have sinned; have mercy on me and 
pardon me. 

^UFFER me a little that I may mourn 
out my grief, before I go to the darksome 
land that is covered with the dismal 
shade of death. 

W HAT dost Thou chiefly require of a 
guilty and wretched sinner, but that he 
should heartily repent and humble him- 
self for his sins? 



92 Jlt0menta tottj) tbe Consoling; Cfcrtet 

HUMBLE contrition for sins is an 
acceptable sacrifice to Thee, Lord, of 
far sweeter odor in Thy sight than the 
burning of frankincense. 

J_HIS is also that pleasing ointment 
which Thou wouldst have to be poured 
upon Thy sacred feet. For Thou never 
yet hast despised a contrite and humble 
heart. 



C&tfgt out ^olg $et&tbttmtt 

Perfect Thou my goings in Thy paths; 
that my footsteps be not moved. 

— Ps. 16:5. 

\J LORD my God, who hast created 
me to Thy own image and likeness, grant 
me this grace, which Thou hast declared 
to be so great, and so necessary to salva- 
tion, that I may overcome my corrupt 
nature, which draws me to sin and 
perdition. 

r OR I perceive in my flesh the law of 
sin contradicting the law of mind and 
leading me captive to obey the senses in 
many things; neither can I resist the 
passions thereof, unless assisted by Thy 
holy grace, infused with fervor into my 
heart. 

1 STAND in need of Thy grace, and of 
a great grace, to overcome nature, which 
is always prone to evil from its youth. 
93 



94 JStnmente toify t&e Consoling; C&rist 

IlENCE it is, my God, that accord- 
ing to the inward man I am delighted 
with Thy law, knowing Thy command to 
be good, just and holy, both for the 
reproval of all evil and for the avoiding 
of all sin. 

jnLND yet in the flesh I serve the law 
of sin, while I obey sensuality rather than 
reason. 

HENCE it is, that to will that which 
is good is present with me, but how to 
accomplish it I find not. 

JLIENCE I often make many good 
resolutions, but because I lack grace to 
help my weakness, through a slight 
resistance I recoil and fall off. 

JLIENCE it comes to pass, that I 
know the way of perfection, and see 
clearly enough what I ought to do, but 
pressed down with the weight of my own 
corruption, I rise not to the things that 
are more perfect. 



C&rtat ottr $>oIp |)ergetoetance 95 

vJH, how exceedingly necessary for 
me, Lord, is Thy grace, to begin that 
which is good, to go forward with it, and 
to accomplish it! 

_T OR without it I can do nothing; but 
I can do all things in Thee, when Thy 
grace strengthens me. 

KJ GRACE truly heavenly, without 
which we have no merits of our own, 
neither are any of the gifts of nature to 
be esteemed. 

INO art or riches, no beauty or strength, 
no wit or eloquence, are of any worth 
with Thee, Lord, without grace. 

INI OR even faith, nor hope, nor any 
other virtues, are acceptable to Thee 
without charity and grace. 

vJ MOST blessed grace, which maketh 
the poor in spirit rich in virtues, and 
renderest him who is rich in many good 
things humble of heart! 



96 ^omenta toitf) t&e Consoling; C&rtet 



G( 



<<OME, descend upon me, replenish me 
betimes with Thy consolation, lest my 
soul faint through weariness and dryness 
of mind. 

I BESEECH Thee, Lord, that I may 
find grace in Thy sight; for Thy grace is 
enough for me, though I obtain none of 
those things which nature desires. 

IF I be tempted and afflicted with many 
tribulations, I will fear no evils whilst 
Thy grace is with me. 

JLiET Thy grace, therefore, Lord, 
always both go before me and follow me, 
and make me ever intent upon good 
works, through Jesus Christ Thy Son. 
Amen. 



Cfjttet out CSmtzoug Ketoatti 

The just are waiting for me till Thou 
reward me. — Ps. 141 : 8. 

LjORD Jesus, forasmuch as Thy way- 
is narrow, and despised by the world, 
grant that I may follow Thee, and be de- 
spised by the world. 

Jl OR the servant is not greater than 
his Lord, neither is the disciple above 
his Master. 

J_jORD Jesus, as Thou hast said and 
hast promised: He that hath My com- 
mandments, and keepeth them, he it is 
that loveth Me: and I will love him, and 
I will manifest Myself unto him, and I 
will make him sit with Me in the kingdom 
of My Father, so may it be indeed; and 
may it be my lot to merit it. 

LORD, blessed be this Thy word: 

1 have received the cross, I have received 

97 



98 Jlomente fcottl) \§z Condoling; CJjrtet 

it from Thy hand: and I will bear it 
until death, as Thou hast laid it upon 
me. It is more sweet to my mouth than 
honey, and the honeycomb. 

WHAT should I do in my so great 
tribulations and anguish, if Thou didst 
not encourage me with Thy holy words? 

WHAT matter is it how much or 
what I suffer, so I come at length to the 
haven of salvation? 



Go 



rRANT me a good end, grant me a 
happy passage out of this world; be ever 
mindful of me, my God, and direct me 
in the right path to Thy kingdom. 
Amen. 



Cfittet our priceless l&angtom 

The redeemed of the Lord shall return, 
and shall come into Sion with praise, 
and everlasting joy shall be upon their 
heads. — Is. 35 : 10. 

J_jORD, what is my confidence which I 
have in this life? or what is my greatest 
comfort amongst all things that appear 
under heaven? 

IS it not Thou, my Lord God, whose 
mercies are without number? 



Wi 



HERE was it ever well to me with- 
out Thee, or when was it ever ill with me 
when Thou wast present? 



i 



HAD rather be poor for Thee, than 
rich without Thee. 



i 



CHOOSE rather to sojourn upon 
earth with Thee, than to possess heaven 
without Thee. Where Thou art, there 
is heaven; and there is death and hell 
where Thou art not. 
99 



100 Jffloments tottl) tfce Consoling; Cj)ri*t 

i\FTER Thee I have a longing desire, 
and therefore must needs sigh after Thee, 
and cry and pray. 

IN fine, I cannot fully trust in any one 
to bring me seasonable help in my 
necessities, save only in Thee, my God. 

JlHOU art my hope, my confidence, 
my comforter, and in all things most 
faithful. 

ALL seek the things that are their 
own; Thou designest only my salvation 
and profit, and turnest all things to my 
good. 

i\ND although Thou exposest me to 
various temptations and adversities, yet 
all this Thou ordainest for my good, 
who art wont to prove Thy beloved 
servants a thousand ways. 

UNDER which probation Thou 
oughtest not less to be loved and praised, 
than if Thou didst replenish me with 
heavenly consolations. 



C&rtet nttr priceless Kanaom 101 



IN Thee, therefore, Lord God, do I 
place all my hope and refuge; on Thee 
I cast all my tribulation and anguish; 
for I find all to be weak and inconstant 
whatever I behold out of Thee. 

_T OR neither will many friends be of 
service to me, nor can powerful auxiliaries 
assist me, nor wise counsellors give me 
a profitable reply, nor the books of the 
learned give me consolation, nor any 
precious substance ransom me, nor any 
secret place secure me, if Thou Thyself 
do not assist, help, strengthen, comfort, 
instruct and guard me. 

JT OR all things which seem to me to be 
for our peace and for our happiness, 
when Thou art absent, are nothing, and 
in truth contribute nothing to our 
felicity. 

1 HOU therefore art the fountain of all 
good, the height of life, and the depth of 
wisdom: and to trust in Thee above all 
things is the greatest comfort of Thy 
servants. 



102 JWomentg toitf) fyz Conaolitiff C&riat 

UNTO Thee do I lift up mine eyes; 
in Thee, my God, Father of mercies, I 
put my trust. Bless and sanctify my 
soul with Thy heavenly blessing, that it 
may be made Thy holy habitation, and 
the seat of Thy eternal glory; and let 
nothing be found in the temple of Thy 
divinity that may offend the eyes of Thy 
majesty. 

ACCORDING to the greatness of Thy 
goodness, and the multitude of Thy 
tender mercies, look down upon me, and 
give ear to the prayer of Thy poor servant, 
who is in banishment afar off from Thee 
in the region of the shadow of death. 

PROTECT and defend the soul of Thy 
poor servant amidst so many dangers of 
this corruptible life, and direct him in 
the company of Thy grace through the 
way of peace, to the country of ever- 
lasting light. Amen. 



W$t S^ot&et of Cfjrtet 

I will take hold of Thee, and bring 
Thee into my Mother's house. 

— Cant 8:2. 

XTAIL, Mary, full of grace, the Lord 
is with Thee ! Hail, Hope of the indigent, 
Mother of the motherless! 

O MARY, my Mother, when my 
contrite heart is broken with sorrow and 
distress, and my soul is enveloped with 
sadness and fear; when the wind of 
temptation rages round me, and the 
storm of passion overwhelms my heart; 
when sin has closed for me the gates of 
heaven and deprived me of the friendship 
of my God; in that hour of tribulation 
and anguish, to whom shall I have re- 
course, if not to Thee, most blessed Mary, 
Consoler of the afflicted, and Refuge of 
sinners? 







MARY, Thou art truly that beauti- 
ful Star of the Sea that saves all those 
103 



104 foments tottl) t^e Consoling; Cbrtet 

who, in peril, raise their eyes towards 
Thee. I call Thee now to my aid, most 
merciful Mother of God. I fly to Thee 
with the confidence of a little child, who 
seeks refuge in the arms of its mother. 
Open Thine to me. Give me a place in 
Thy heart. Say to me: Fear not. I 
am Thy Advocate. I will speak for 
thee. As a mother consoles her weeping 
child, I will console thee. my Mother, 
say these words, and peace shall return to 
my soul. 

v^OME, Mary, come with the sweet- 
ness which always accompanies Thee. 
Come to me in my trials. Come to 
encourage me and to bring me the grace 
of Thy divine Son, Jesus. 

DEAREST Mother, no sooner have I 
confided to Thee my sorrows, than al- 
ready I feel consoled. Thy name alone 
is balm for my wounds. 

vJ NAME of Mary, name full of grace! 
Name which all lips should pronounce 



@H)e JHotber of C&rust 105 

with love, all hearts should bless. 
Heavenly and angelic name, be my con- 
solation and strength now, and at the 
hour of my death. Mary, Virgin 
Mother of Christ, may Thy blessed name 
and the adorable name of Jesus, be the 
last I shall pronounce on earth. Amen. 



Cfittet out actable &acratwnt 

I will set my tabernacle in the midst 
of you, and my soul shall not cast you 
off. — Lev. 26:11. 

CjOME to Me, all you that labor and 
are heavy laden, and I will refresh you, 
saith the Lord. 

XHE bread which I will give is My 
flesh for the life of the world. 

A AKE and eat; this is My body which 
shall be delivered for you; do this for the 
commemoration of Me. 

AAE that eateth My flesh and drinketh 
My blood abideth in Me, and I in him. 

A HE words that I have spoken to you 
are spirit and life. 

106 



C&rtet our &SaraMe Sacrament 107 

THESE are Thy words, Christ, the 
eternal Truth, though not all delivered 
at one time, nor written in one place. 

I^INCE therefore they are Thine, and 
true, they ought all to be thankfully and 
faithfully received by me. 

THEY are Thine, and Thou hast 
spoken them; and they are also mine, 
because Thou hast delivered them for 
my salvation. 

I WILLINGLY receive them from Thy 
mouth, that they may be more closely 
ingrafted in my heart. 

W ORDS of so great tenderness, full of 
sweetness and love, encourage me; but 
my sins terrify me, and my unclean con- 
science keeps me back from approaching 
to so great mysteries. 

1 HE sweetness of Thy words invites 
me, but the multitude of my offences 
weighs me down. 



108 JHomenta tottl) t&e Consoling Clmst 

1H0U commandest me to approach 
to Thee with confidence, if I would have 
part with Thee; and to receive the food 
of immortality, if I desire to obtain life 
and glory everlasting. 

VjOME, Thou sayest to me, all you 
that labor, and are heavy burdened, and 
I will refresh you. 

\J SWEET and loving word in the ear 
of a sinner, that Thou, Lord, my God, 
shouldst invite the poor and needy to 
the communion of Thy most sacred body ! 

BlJT who am I, Lord, that I should 
presume to come to Thee? 

J3EHOLD, the heaven of heavens can- 
not contain Thee; and Thou sayest: 
Come ye all to Me. 

WHAT means this most loving con- 
descension, and so friendly invitation? 



C&riat ottr a&orabie Sacrament 109 

11 OW shall I dare to approach, who 
am conscious to myself of no good on 
which I can presume? 

11 OW shall I introduce Thee into my 
house, who have oftentimes provoked 
Thy indignation? 

1HE angels and the archangels stand 
in reverential awe; the saints and the 
just are afraid; and Thou say est: Come 
ye all to Me. 

UNLESS Thou, Lord, didst say it, 
who could believe it to be true? 

AND unless Thou didst command it, 
who would venture to approach? 

J3EHOLD, Noah, a just man, labored 
a hundred years in building the ark, that 
he with a few might be saved; and how 
shall I be able in the space of one hour 
to prepare myself to receive with rever- 
ence the Maker of the world? 



110 ^omenta totty tlje Conaoltns; Christ 

MOSES, Thy great servant and Thy 
special friend, made an ark of incor- 
ruptible wood, which he also covered 
with the most pure gold, that he might 
deposit therein the tables of the law; 
and shall I, a miserable creature, presume 
so easily to receive Thee, the Maker of 
the law, and the Giver of life? 

OOLOMON, the wisest of the kings of 
Israel, employed seven years in building 
a magnificent temple for the praise of 
Thy name, and for eight days together 
celebrated the feast of the dedication 
thereof; he offered a thousand pacific 
victims, and brought in a solemn manner 
the ark of the covenant into the place 
prepared for it, with sound of trumpet 
and rejoicing; and I, the most wretched, 
and the vilest of men, how shall I intro- 
duce Thee into my house, who can hardly 
spend one half hour devoutly? And 
would that I had ever spent one half 
hour as I ought! 

\J MY God, how much did they en- 
deavor to do to please Thee! Alas, how 



C&rurt ottr a&orafcle Sacrament 111 

little it is that I do! How short a time 
do I spend, when I prepare myself to 
communicate! 

OELDOM am I wholly recollected, 
very seldom free from all distraction. 

i\ND yet surely, in the life-giving 
presence of Thy Deity, no unbecoming 
thought should occur, nor anything 
created occupy my mind; for it is not 
an angel, but the Lord of angels that I 
am about to entertain. 

1 HERE is, moreover, a very great 
difference between the ark of the cove- 
nant with its relics, and Thy most pure 
body with its unspeakable virtues; be- 
tween those sacrifices of the law, which 
were figures of things to come, and the 
true sacrifices. 

WHY then am I not more inflamed, 
considering Thy venerable presence? 

W HY do I not prepare myself with 
greater care to receive Thy sacred gifts, 



112 ^omenta toitj) tbe Consoling: C&rtat 

seeing that these ancient holy patriarchs 
and prophets, yea, kings also and princes 
with the whole people, have shown so 
great affection of devotion towards Thy 
divine worship? 

1 HE most devout king David danced 
with all his might before the ark of God, 
as he called to mind the benefits in times 
past bestowed upon his fathers. He 
made musical instruments of various 
kinds; he composed psalms, and ap- 
pointed them to be sung with joy, and he 
himself likewise often sung them, playing 
upon his harp, inspired with the grace of 
the Holy Ghost. He taught the people 
of Israel to praise God with their whole 
heart, and to join their voices in blessing 
and magnifying Him every day. 

IF so great devotion was then dis- 
played, and such remembrance of the 
praise of God before the ark of the 
covenant, how great ought to be the rev- 
erence and devotion which I and all 
Christian people should have in the 
presence of this sacrament and in receiv- 
ing the most precious Body of Christ? 



Christ ottr atioraile Sacrament 113 

IVlANY run to sundry places to visit 
the relics of the saints, and wonder to 
hear of their remarkable deeds; they 
behold the spacious buildings of their 
churches, and kiss their sacred bones, 
enveloped in silk and gold. 

i\ND behold Thou art here present to 
me on the altar, my God, the Saint of 
Saints, the Creator of Men, and the Lord 
of Angels. 

OFTENTIMES, in seeing those things, 
men are moved with curiosity, and the 
novelty of sights, and carry home but 
little fruit of amendment; and the more 
so when persons run lightly hither and 
thither without real contrition. 

JdUT here, in the sacrament of the 
altar, Thou art wholly present, my God, 
the Man Christ Jesus; where also the 
fruit of eternal salvation is plentifully 
reaped, as often as Thou art worthily 
and devoutly received. 



114 jHamenta tottj) tfje Conaoltns C&ttst 

i\ND to this we are not drawn by any 
levity, curiosity, or sensuality, but by a 
firm faith, a devout hope, and a sincere 
charity. 

GOD, the invisible Maker of the 
world, how wonderfully dost Thou deal 
with us! How sweetly and graciously 
dost Thou order all things in favor of 
Thy elect, to whom Thou offerest Thyself 
to be received in this sacrament! 

_T OR this exceeds all understanding; 
this, in a particular manner, draws the 
hearts of the devout, and enkindles their 
love. 

F OR they Thy faithful ones, who 
dispose their whole life to amendment, 
frequently receive from this most august 
sacrament, a great grace of devotion and 
love of virtue. 

vjH, the wonderful and hidden grace of 
this sacrament which only the faithful of 



Cjjrtat our &toarable Sacrament 115 

Christ know, but which unbelievers, and 
such as are slaves to sin, cannot ex- 
perience! 

IN this sacrament is conferred spiritual 
grace; virtue lost is again restored to 
the soul; and beauty, disfigured by sin, 
returns again. 

AND so great sometimes is this grace 
that, from the abundance of the devotion 
that is bestowed, not only the mind, but 
the frail body also feels a great increase 
of strength. 

I^TILL must we lament and deplore 
exceedingly our tepidity and negligence, 
that we are not drawn with greater 
affection to receive Christ, in whom 
consists all the hope and merit of those 
that are to be saved. 

JT OR He is our sanctification and our 
redemption; He is the consolation of 
pilgrims, and the eternal beatitude of the 
saints. 



116 Jftomenta toity t|)e Conjoints C&ttet 

IT is therefore much to be lamented 
that many take so little notice of this 
saving mystery, which rejoices heaven, 
and preserves the whole world. 

V/H, the blindness and hardness of the 
heart of man, that doth not consider so 
unspeakable a gift; and from a daily use 
of it falls into a disregard for it! 

jT OR if this most holy Sacrament were 
celebrated in one place only, and conse- 
crated by only one priest in the world, how 
great a desire would men have to go to 
that place, and to such a priest of God, 
that they might see the divine Mysteries 
celebrated? 

XjUT now that there are many priests, 
and Christ is offered up in many places, 
that the grace and love of God to man 
may appear so much the greater, by how 
much the more this sacred Communion 
is distributed throughout the entire 
world. 



€bxi*t attt adorable J£>attament 117 

THANKS be to Thee, good Jesus, 
eternal Shepherd, who hast vouchsafed 
to feed us poor exiles with Thy precious 
Body and Blood, and to invite us to the 
receiving these mysteries with the words 
of Thy own mouth, saying: Come to 
Me all you that labor and are burdened, 
and I will refresh you. 



Cfittet out spiritual l&efttg&mntt 

He hath set me in a place of pasture: 
He hath brought me up on the water 
of refreshment. — Ps. 22 : 2. 

\J LORD, trusting in Thy goodness 
and in Thy great mercy, I come sick to 
my Saviour, hungry and thirsty to the 
fountain of life, needy to the King of 
heaven, a servant to his Lord, a creature 
to his Creator, and one in desolation to 
his loving comforter. 

J3UT whence is this to me, that Thou 
shouldst come to me? Who am I, that 
Thou shouldst give Thyself to me? 

XJ.OW dare such a sinner appear before 
Thee? and how dost Thou vouchsafe to 
come to a sinner? 

IHOU knowest Thy servant, and 
Thou knowest that he has nothing of 
good in him that can entitle him to this 
favor. 

118 



C&rtst out ^ptrttttal Kefrea&ment 119 

I CONFESS therefore my unworthi- 
ness; I acknowledge Thy bounty; I 
praise Thy goodness; and I give thanks 
for Thy exceeding love. 

r OR it is of Thy own mercy Thou dost 
this, not for my merits, that Thy good- 
ness may be better known to me, that 
greater love may be imparted, and 
humility more perfectly commended. 

J^INCE therefore this pleaseth Thee, 
and Thou hast commanded it thus, Thy 
merciful condescension pleaseth me also; 
and, Oh, that my iniquity may be no 
obstacle! 

\J MOST sweet and most bountiful 
Jesus, how great reverence and thanks, 
with perpetual praise, are due to Thee, 
for the receiving of Thy sacred body, 
whose dignity no man can sufficiently 
express! 



B 



UT on what shall I think in this 
Communion, when I approach to my 



120 JHoment* toitl) tj)e Conaolma; Cfcrtet 

Lord, whom I can never duly venerate, 
and yet desire to receive with devotion? 

W HAT can I think on better or more 
wholesome to my soul, than to humble 
myself entirely in Thy presence, and 
extol Thy infinite goodness? 

I PRAISE Thee, my God, and I 
extol Thee forever; I despise myself, 
and cast myself down into the depth of 
my own vileness. 

BEHOLD, Thou art the Saint of 
Saints, and I am the greatest of sinners. 

BEHOLD, Thou bowest Thyself down 
to me, who am not worthy to look up to 
Thee. 

JjEHOLD, Thou comest to me; Thou 
wishest to be with me; Thou invitest me 
to Thy banquet; Thou desirest to give 
me heavenly food, even the bread of 
angels, to eat; no other, indeed, than 



C&tteit our Spiritual Betterment 121 

Thyself, the living Bread, who didst 
come down from heaven, and givest life 
to the world. 

JDEHOLD, whence love proceeds, what 
a bounty shines forth ! How great thanks 
and praises are due to Thee for these 
things! 

L/H, how salutary and profitable was 
Thy design when Thou didst institute it! 
How sweet and delightful this banquet, 
in which Thou givest Thyself to be our 
food! 

vJH, how admirable is Thy work, O 
Lord! how mighty Thy power! how in- 
fallible Thy truth! 

JT OR Thou hast spoken, and all things 
were made, and that which Thou com- 
mandest has been done. 

A WONDERFUL thing it is, and 
worthy of faith, and exceeding all human 
Understanding, that Thou, Lord my 



122 ^omenta toify tyt Conaaimg; Christ 

God, true God, and true man, art con- 
tained whole and entire under a small 
form of bread and wine, art eaten by the 
receiver, without being consumed. 

jLHOU, the Lord of all things, who 
standest in need of no one, art pleased 
by this Sacrament to dwell in us. 

PRESERVE my heart and my body 
without stain, that with a joyful and clean 
conscience I may be able often to cele- 
brate Thy sacred Mysteries, and to re- 
ceive for my eternal salvation, what 
Thou hast principally ordained and 
instituted for Thy honor and perpetual 
remembrance. 

JttEJOICE, my soul, and give thanks 
to thy God for so noble a gift, and so 
singular a solace left to thee in this vale 
of tears. 



C5ttet our ^eabenlp T&vtab 

This is the Bread which the Lord hath 
given you to eat. — Ex. 16 : 15. 

BEHOLD I come to Thee, Lord, 
that by Thy gift, it may be well with me, 
and that I may be delighted in Thy holy 
banquet, which Thou, God, in Thy 
sweetness hast prepared for the poor. 

BEHOLD, in Thee is all whatsoever I 
can or ought to desire; Thou art my 
salvation and my redemption, my hope 
and my strength, my honor and my glory. 

MAKE therefore the soul of Thy 
servant joyful this day, because, Lord 
Jesus, I have lifted up my soul to Thee. 

IN W I desire to receive Thee devoutly 

and reverently ; I long to bring Thee into 

my house, so that, with Zaccheus, I may 

123 



124 foments tottj) t&e Conaolinj C&ttet 

deserve to be blessed by Thee, and to be 
numbered among the children of Abra- 
ham. 

iVlY soul longs to be nourished with 
Thy body; my heart desires to be united 
with Thee. 

ijIVE Thyself to me, and it is enough; 
for without Thee no comfort is of any 
avail. 

WlTHOUT Thee I cannot exist; and 
without Thy visitation I cannot live. 

Therefore must i often come to 

Thee and receive Thee as the health and 
strength of my soul; lest perhaps I faint 
in the way, if I be deprived of this 
heavenly food. 

JT OR so Thou, most merciful Jesus, 
when Thou hadst been preaching to the 
people and curing their various diseases, 
didst say: I will not send them fasting 
to their homes, lest they faint on the way. 



entrust our i)eatoenlp ^SreatJ 125 

j_JEAL now in like manner with me, 
Thou who hast left Thyself in this Sacra- 
ment for the comfort of Thy faithful. 

Jr OR Thou art the most sweet refection 
of the soul; and he that shall eat Thee 
worthily shall be partaker and heir of 
everlasting glory. 

IT is indeed necessary for me, who so 
often fall and commit sin, and so quickly 
become tepid and faint, that, by frequent 
prayers and confession, and by the sacred 
receiving of Thy Body, I may again be 
renewed, cleansed, and inflamed, lest, 
perhaps, by longer abstaining, I fall 
away from my holy purpose. 

Jr OR the senses of man are prone to 
evil from his youth; and unless Thy 
divine medicine help him, he quickly 
falls to worse. 

1 HE holy Communion therefore with- 
draws him from evil, and strengthens 
him in good. 



126 Jftoments tott& t&e Couaoiingf Christ 

Jr OR if I am so often negligent and 
lukewarm now when I communicate, 
what would it be if I did not take this 
remedy, and did not seek so great a help? 

AND although I am not every day fit, 
nor well disposed to receive Thy sacred 
Body, yet I will endeavor at proper times 
to receive the divine mysteries, and to 
make myself partaker of so great a grace. 

Jr OR this is the principal comfort of a 
faithful soul, so long as it sojourns afar 
off from Thee in this mortal body ; being 
mindful often of its God, to receive its 
Beloved with a devout mind. 

\J HAPPY mind, and blessed soul, 
which deserves to receive Thee her Lord 
God devoutly; and in receiving Thee to 
be filled with spiritual joy! 

vJH, how great a Lord does she enter- 
tain, how beloved a Guest does she bring 
into her house, how sweet a Companion 
does she receive, how faithful a Friend 
does she welcome, how beautiful and 



Christ ottr |)eatoenl|> 3Srea» 127 

how noble a Spouse does she embrace, 
who deserves to be loved above all, and 
beyond all that can be desired! 

_LjET heaven and earth, with all their 
attire, be silent in Thy presence, O my 
dearest Beloved; for whatever praise or 
beauty they have, is all the gift of Thy 
bounty ; nor can they attain to the beauty 
of Thy name, of whose wisdom there is 
no end. 



4 



CJjctet out iFountam of fetoeetneggs 

Thou didst feed Thy people with the 
Food of Angels, and gavest them Bread 
from Heaven prepared without labour; 
having in it all that is delicious, and 
the sweetness of every taste. 

— Wis. 16:20. 

\J LORD, my God, prevent thy servant 
with blessings of Thy sweetness, that I 
may approach worthily and devoutly to 
Thy most holy Sacrament. 

JllAISE up my heart toward Thee, and 
deliver me from oppressive slothfulness. 

V ISIT me with Thy saving mercy, 
that I may taste in spirit Thy sweetness, 
which plentifully lies hid in this sacra- 
ment, as in a fountain. 

ILLUMINATE also my eyes to behold 
so great a Mystery, and strengthen me to 
believe it with an undoubting faith. 
128 



Cbttat our jFotmtatn of ^toeetnestf 129 

_T OR it is Thy work, not the power of 
man; Thy sacred institution, not man's 
invention. 

_T OR no man can be found able of him- 
self to know and understand these things, 
which surpass even the intelligence of 
the angels. 

W HAT, shall I, therefore, an unworthy 
sinner, who am but dust and ashes, be 
able to search into or comprehend so high 
and so sacred a mystery ? 

\J LORD, in the simplicity of my 
heart, with a good and firm faith, and in 
obedience to Thy command, I come to 
Thee with hope and reverence; and I 
believe truly that Thou art here present 
in this Sacrament, both God and man. 

IT is then Thy will that I should receive 
Thee, and through love unite myself to 
Thee. 

WHEREFORE I implore Thy mercy; 
and I beg of Thee to give me a special 



130 Jflotnente; tottfc t&e Conjoints Cfctist 

grace, that I may be wholly dissolved in 
Thee, and overflow with Thy love, and 
no more concern myself about any other 
kind of consolation. 

_T OR this most high and most excellent 
Sacrament is the health of soul and body, 
the remedy of all spiritual diseases, by 
which my vices are cured, my passions 
restrained, temptations overcome or 
lessened, greater grace infused, virtue 
increased, faith confirmed, hope strength- 
ened, charity inflamed and increased. 

F OR Thou hast bestowed, and still 
oftentimes dost bestow, many good 
things in this sacrament to Thy beloved, 
who communicate devoutly, my God, 
the support of my soul, the repairer of 
human infirmity, and the giver of all 
interior comfort. 

_T OR Thou impartest unto them much 
consolation, to support them in their 
many troubles ; and Thou liftest them up 
from the depth of their own dejection, 



C&riat our jFountain of i&toeetneaa 131 

to the hope of Thy protection; and Thou 
dost interiorly recreate and enlighten 
them with a certain new grace; so that 
they who at first were anxious, and with- 
out sensible affection before Communion 
after being refreshed with this heavenly 
food and drink, find themselves changed 
for the better. 

xtlND in such a way Thou art pleased 
to deal with Thy elect, that they may 
more truly acknowledge and plainly 
experience how great is their weakness, 
when left to themselves, and how much 
of bounty and grace they receive from 
Thee. 

F OR of themselves they are cold, dry, 
and indevout ; but by Thee they are made 
fervent, cheerful and devout. 

J? OR who, humbly approaching to the 
fountain of sweetness, does not carry 
away with him some little sweetness? 

vJR who, standing by a great fire, 
does not receive from it some little heat? 



132 Omenta tottft t&e Consoling; Cfcrtet 

AND Thou art a fountain ever full 
and overflowing; Thou art a fire always 
burning and never failing. 

WHEREFORE, if I may not draw 
out of the fulness of the fountain, nor 
drink my fill, I will at least set my mouth 
to the orifice of this heavenly pipe, that 
so I may draw thence some little drop to 
allay my thirst, and may not wholly 
wither away. 

AND if as yet I cannot be all heavenly 
and all on fire, like the cherubim and 
seraphim, I will still endeavor to follow 
after devotion, and prepare my heart, 
that so I may acquire some small spark 
of divine fire by humbly receiving this 
life-giving Sacrament. 

AND whatever is wanting to me, 
good Jesus, most blessed Saviour, do 
Thou in Thy bounty and goodness 
supply for me, who hast vouchsafed to 
call all unto Thee, saying: Come to Me, 
all you that labor and are heavy laden, 
and I will refresh you, 



C&rist our jFottntattt of i&toeetnesa 133 

1 LABOR indeed in the sweat of my 
brow, I am tormented with grief of 
heart, I am laden with sins, I am 
troubled with temptations, and am en- 
tangled and oppressed with many evil 
passions; and there is no one to help me, 
no one to deliver and save me, but Thou, 
Lord God, my Saviour, to whom I 
commit myself and all that is mine, that 
Thou mayest keep me, and bring me to 
everlasting life. 

IaECEIVE me for the praise and glory 
of Thy name, who hast prepared Thy 
Body and Blood for my food and drink. 

GRANT, Lord God, my Saviour, 
that the frequenting of this Thy Mystery 
may increase the affection of my devotion. 



Cfirtgt our 2D£b0ttt Preparation 

The Lord has heard the desire of the 
poor; thy ears, O Lord, have heard the 
preparation of their hearts. — Ps. 9 : 38. 

WHEN I consider Thy dignity, 
Lord, and my own vileness, I tremble 
very much, and am confounded within 
myself. 

JT OR if I come not to Thee, I fly from 
life; and if I intrude myself unworthily, 
I incur Thy displeasure. 

WHAT then shall I do, my God, my 
Helper, my Counsellor in necessities? 

LJO Thou teach me the right way; set 
before me some short exercise suitable 
for Holy Communion. 

_T OR it is well to know in what manner 
I shall reverently and devoutly prepare 
my heart for Thee, for the profitable 
receiving of Thy Sacrament, or for 
celebrating so great and divine a sacrifice. 
134 



C&ttet our Clean SDblation 

For from the rising of the sun to the 
going down thereof My Name is great 
among the gentiles; and in every place 
there is sacrifice; and there is offered 
to My Name a clean oblation. 

— Mai 1 : 11. 



JLORD, all things are Thine that are in 
heaven and upon earth. 

I DESIRE to offer up myself to Thee 
as a voluntary oblation, and to remain 
forever Thine. 

JljORD, in the sincerity of my heart, I 
offer myself to Thee this day, as Thy 
servant forevermore, for Thy homage, 
and for a sacrifice of perpetual praise. 

RECEIVE me with this sacred Obla- 
tion of Thy precious Body, which I offer 
to Thee this day in the invisible presence 
135 



136 JHoments toit!) fyz Consoling: Cljrtet 

of assisting angels, that it may be for 
mine and all the people's salvation. 

FORGIVE, my God, forgive me my 
sins, for the sake of Thy holy name. 
Save my soul which Thou hast redeemed 
with Thy precious blood. 

BEHOLD, I commit myself to Thy 
mercy; I resign myself into Thy hands. 

LJEAL with me according to Thy 
goodness, not according to my wickedness 
and iniquity. 

I OFFER also to Thee all the good I 
have, though very little and imperfect; 
that Thou mayest make it better and 
sanctify it; that Thou mayest be pleased 
with it and make it acceptable to Thee 
and perfect it more and more; and 
mayest moreover bring me, who am a 
slothful and unprofitable creature, to a 
blissful and glorious end. 

I OFFER to Thee also all the pious 
desires of devout persons; the necessities 



e&ttat ottr Clean ©Nation 137 

of my parents, friends, brothers, sisters, 
and all those that are dear to me; and of 
all such as, for the love of Thee, have 
been benefactors to me or others; and 
who have desired and besought me to 
offer up prayers and masses for them- 
selves and all theirs, whether they are 
still living in the flesh or are already dead 
to this world; that all may experience 
the assistance of Thy grace, the benefit 
of Thy comfort, protection from all 
dangers, and deliverance from the punish- 
ment to come; and that, thus freed from 
all evils, they may with joy give worthy 
thanks to Thee. 

1 OFFER up also to Thee my prayers, 
and this sacrifice of Propitiation, for 
those in particular who have in any- 
thing wronged me, grieved me, or abused 
me, or have inflicted upon me any hurt 
or injury. 

iVND for all those likewise whom I have 
at any time grieved, troubled, injured, or 
scandalized, by words or deeds, knowingly 
or unknowingly ; that it may please Thee 



138 Jftomente toitf) t&e Conaolins; C&riat 

to forgive us all our sins and mutual 
offences. 

1AKE, Lord, from our hearts all 
jealousy, indignation, wrath, and conten- 
tion, and whatsoever may hurt charity, 
and lessen brotherly love. 

_H_AVE mercy, Lord, have mercy on 
those that crave Thy mercy; give grace 
to the needy; and grant that we may be 
worthy to enjoy Thy grace, and that we 
may attain to life everlasting. Amen. 



C&ttet our Celestial Banquet 

They shall be inebriated with the 
plenty of Thy house; and Thou shalt 
make them drink of the torrent of Thy 
pleasure. — Ps. 35 : 9. 



SWEETEST Lord Jesus, how great 
sweetness hath a devout soul that feasteth 
with Thee in Thy banquet; where there 
is no other meat set before her to be eaten 
but Thyself, her only Beloved, and most 
to be desired above all the desires of her 
heart! 

AND to me indeed it would be delight- 
ful to pour out tears in Thy presence, 
with the whole affection of my heart, 
and like the devout Magdalen to wash 
Thy feet with my tears. 

OUT where is this devotion, where is 
this so plenteous effusion of holy tears? 



s 



URELY in the sight of Thee, and of 
Thy holy angels, my whole heart ought 
to be inflamed, and to weep for joy. 
139 



140 ^omenta toify tj)e Congoitnjr Cfctiat 

_T OR I have Thee in the Sacrament 
truly present, though hidden under an- 
other form. 

FOR to behold Thee in Thine own 
divine brightness, is what mine eyes 
would not be able to endure, neither 
could the whole world subsist in the 
splendor of the glory of Thy majesty. 

IN this, therefore, Thou dost stoop to 
my weakness, that Thou dost conceal 
Thyself under the Sacrament. 

1 TRULY have and adore Him whom 
the angels adore in heaven; but I as yet 
in faith, they indeed by sight and without 
a veil. 

I MUST be content with the light of 
true faith, and walk therein till the day 
of eternal brightness break forth, and 
the shadows of figures shall have passed 
away. 

JtSUT when that which is perfect shall 
come, the use of sacraments shall cease; 



C&ttat our Celestial banquet 141 

for the blessed in heavenly glory need not 
the aid of the sacraments. 

Jr OR they rejoice without end in the 
presence of God, beholding His glory 
face to face; and being transformed 
from glory into the glory of the incom- 
prehensible Deity, they taste the Word 
of God made flesh, as He was from the 
beginning, and remaineth forever. 

W HEN I call to mind these wonders, 
every spiritual comfort whatsoever be- 
comes tedious to me; because, as long as 
I behold not my Lord openly in His 
glory, I make no account of all that I 
see and hear in the world. 

1 HOU art my witness, God, that 
no one thing can comfort me, nor any- 
thing created give me rest, but only 
Thou, My God, whom I desire to con- 
template for eternity. 

JpUT this is not possible so long as I 
remain in this mortal life. 



142 Jfloments tottl) tlje Consoling C&rist 

i\ND therefore I must endeavor to 
acquire much patience, and submit my- 
self to Thee in all my desires. 

TOR thus also Thy Saints, Lord, 
who now exult with Thee in the Kingdom 
of heaven, during life awaited in faith 
and much patience the advent of Thy 
glory. 

WHAT they believed, I believe; what 
they hoped for, I hope for; and whither 
they are gone, I trust that I also, through 
Thy grace, shall go. 

IN the meantime I will walk in faith, 
strengthened by the examples of Thy 
saints. 

1 SHALL have moreover for my com- 
fort, and the direction of my life, Thy 
holy books; and above all these, Thy 
most holy Body for my special remedy 
and refuge. 

r OR in this life I find there are two 
things especially necessary for me, with- 



C&ttst our Celestial banquet 143 

out which this miserable life would be to 
me insupportable. 

WHILST I am kept in the prison of 
this body, I acknowledge myself to need 
two things, namely, food and light. 

xHOU hast therefore given to me, 
weak as I am, Thy sacred Body for the 
nourishment of my soul and body, and 
Thou hast set Thy Word as a light to my 
feet. 

WlTHOUT these two I could not well 
live; for the Word of God is the light 
of my soul, and Thy Sacrament is the 
bread of life. 

XHESE also may be called the two 
tables set on either side, in the store- 
house of Thy holy church. 

vJNE is the table of the holy altar hav- 
ing the holy bread, that is, the precious 
Body of Christ; the other is that of the 



144 Jftomentfi toify tit Consoling; Cjjriat 

Divine Law, containing holy doctrine, 
teaching a right faith, and leading most 
securely, even to the interior of the veil, 
where is the Holy of holies. 

THANKS be to Thee, Lord Jesus, 
Light of eternal Light, for the table of 
holy doctrine which Thou hast afforded 
us by the ministry of Thy servants, the 
prophets and apostles, and other teachers. 

THANKS be to Thee, Thou Creator 
and Redeemer of men, who, to manifest 
Thy love to the whole world, hast pre- 
pared a great supper, wherein Thou hast 
set before us to be eaten, not the typical 
lamb, but Thy most sacred Body and 
Blood; rejoicing all the faithful with Thy 
holy banquet, and replenishing them 
with the chalice of salvation, in which 
are all the delights of paradise; and the 
holy angels do feast with us, but with a 
more happy sweetness. 

O LORD of Majesty, grant that we 
may bless Thee with our lips. 



Christ our CDelestial banquet 145 

vJH, how pure ought to be the mouth, 
how holy the body, how immaculate the 
heart into which the Author of Purity 
so often enters! 

r ROM the mouth of him who receives 
the Sacrament of Christ nothing but 
what is holy, no word but what is be- 
coming and profitable, ought to proceed. 

^IMPLE and chaste should be those 
eyes which are accustomed to behold the 
Body of Christ. 

JLiET Thy grace, O God omnipotent, 
assist us, that we may be enabled to 
serve Thee worthily and devoutly, in 
all purity, and with a good conscience. 

i\.ND if we cannot live in so great 
innocence of life as we ought, grant us 
still duly to bewail the sins we have com- 
mitted, and in the spirit of humility, 
and the purpose of a good will, to serve 
Thee more fervently for the future. 



C&ttet out &obm tgn ^peace 

The Lord will bless His people with 
peace. — Ps. 28: 11. 

vJH, that it were given me, gracious 
Lord, to find Thee alone, that I may 
open my whole heart to Thee, and enjoy 
Thee as my soul desireth; no one behold- 
ing me, nor any creature interesting me, 
or at all affecting me; but Thou alone 
speaking to me and I to Thee; as the 
beloved is wont to speak to his beloved, 
and a friend to entertain himself with 
his friend! 

Jr OR this I pray, thi/s I desire, that I 
may be wholly united to Thee, and that 
I may withdraw my heart from all created 
things; and by Holy Communion, and 
often celebrating, I may more and more 
learn to relish things heavenly and 
eternal. 

jtVH, Lord God, when shall I be wholly 
united to Thee, and absorbed in Thee, 
and altogether forgetful of myself? 
146 



Christ ottr i&otoeteijn JJeace 147 

XHOU in me, and I in Thee; and so 
grant us both to continue in one. 

VERILY, thou art my Beloved, the 
choicest amongst thousands, in whom my 
soul is well pleased to dwell all the days 
of its life. 



V 



ERILY, Thou art my Peace-maker, 
in whom is sovereign peace and true rest; 
out of whom is labor and sorrow and 
endless misery. 

1H0U art, in truth, a hidden God, 
and Thy counsel is not with the wicked; 
but Thy conversation is with the humble 
and the simple. 







H, how sweet is Thy spirit, Lord, 
who, to show Thy sweetness towards Thy 
children, vouchsafest to refresh them 
with the most delicious bread which 
cometh down from heaven! 

^URELY, there is no other nation so 
great, that hath its gods so nigh to it, 



148 JHomente toit!) t&e Consoling Cbrtst 

as Thou, our God, art present to all Thy 
faithful; to whom, for their daily com- 
fort, and for the raising up their hearts 
to heaven, Thou givest Thyself to be 
eaten and enjoyed. 

r OR what other nation is there so 
honored as the Christian people? 

vJR what creature under heaven so 
beloved as a devout soul, to whom God 
cometh that He may feed her with His 
glorious flesh? unspeakable grace! 
O wonderful condescension! infinite 
love, singularly bestowed upon man! 

OUT what shall I render to the Lord 
for this grace, for charity so remarkable? 

1 HERE is not anything that I can 
present to Him more acceptable than to 
give up my heart entirely to God, and 
closely unite it to Him. 

1 HEN all that is within me shall 
rejoice exceedingly when my soul shall be 



Cjjrtat our i&atoeretp, fjeace 149 

perfectly united to my God; then will 
He say to me: If thou wilt be with me, I 
will be with thee; and I will answer 
Him : Vouchsafe, Lord, to remain with 
me, and I will willingly be with Thee. 

1 HIS is my whole desire, that my heart 
may be united to Thee. 



Cfirtet our SLbMns $imntt 

Though I should walk in the midst of 
the shadows of death, I will fear no 
evils for Thou art with me. — Ps. 22 : 4. 



o 



H, how great is the multitude of Thy 
sweetness, Lord, which Thou hast hid- 
den for them that fear Thee! 

WHEN, Lord, I call to mind some 
devout persons, who come to Thy Sacra- 
ment with the greatest devotion and 
affection, I am often confounded and 
ashamed within myself, that I approach 
so tepidly and coldly to Thy altar, and 
to the table of Holy Communion; that 
I remain so dry, and without affection of 
heart; that I am not wholly set on fire 
in Thy presence, my God, nor so 
earnestly drawn onwards and affected, 
as many devout persons have been, who 
from a vehement desire of Communion, 
and a sensible love in their hearts, could 
not contain themselves from weeping; 
150 



Clmat our &M&fnff l^xmntt 151 

but with their whole souls eagerly 
thirsted to approach, both with the 
mouth of their heart and their body, to 
Thee, God, the living fountain; being 
in no wise able to moderate or satisfy 
their hunger, but by receiving Thy body 
with all joy and spiritual eagerness. 

WH, truly the ardent faith of these 
persons is an existing argument of Thy 
sacred presence! 

Jr OR they truly know their Lord in 
the breaking of bread, whose heart 
burneth so mightily within them, from 
Jesus walking with them. 

iVLAS, far from me too often is such 
affection and devotion, such vehement 
love and ardor. 

_DE Thou merciful to me, good Jesus, 
sweet and gracious, and grant thy poor 
suppliant to feel sometimes at least in 
the sacred Communion some little of the 
cordial affection of Thy love, that my 



152 JHomenta toitl) fyz Consoling; Cl)ri*t 

faith may be more strengthened, my 
hope in Thy goodness increased, and 
that my charity being once perfectly 
enkindled, and having tasted the manna 
of heaven, may never die away. 

r OR mighty is Thy mercy to grant 
me the grace I long for, and to visit me 
in Thy great clemency with the spirit of 
fervor when the day of Thy good pleasure 
shall have come. 

3l OR though I burn not at present with 
so great desire as those that are so 
singularly devoted to Thee; yet, by Thy 
grace, I desire to have this same greatly 
inflamed desire; praying and wishing 
that I may be made partaker with all 
such Thy fervent lovers, and numbered 
in their holy company. 



Cfjttet our Jntttml WLnion 

I will dwell in the midst of thee. 
— Za. 2:10. 



o 



MOST sweet and loving Lord, whom 
I now desire to receive with all devotion, 
Thou knowest my weakness and the 
necessity which I endure, in how great 
evils and vices I am immersed, how often 
I am oppressed, tempted, troubled and 
defiled. 

10 Thee I come for remedy; to Thee 
do I pray for consolation and relief; I 
speak to Him who knows all things, to 
whom all that is within me is manifest, 
and who alone can perfectly comfort 
and help me. 

1 HOU knowest what good things I 
stand most in need of, and how poor I 
am in virtues. 

BEHOLD I stand before Thee, poor 
and naked, begging Thy grace, and 
imploring Thy mercy. 
153 



154 ilomente tottf) tlje Conaolinj C&rist 

JO EED Thy hungry suppliant; inflame 
my coldness with the fire of Thy love; 
enlighten my blindness with the bright- 
ness of Thy presence. 

JlURN for me all earthly things into 
bitterness, all things grievous and adverse 
into patience, and all low and created 
things into contempt and oblivion. 

JLlFT up my heart to Thee in heaven, 
and suffer me not to wander upon earth. 

MAYEST Thou alone be delightful to 
me henceforth and for evermore. 

JT OR Thou only art my meat and 
drink, my love and my joy, my sweetness 
and all my good. 

vJH, that with Thy presence Thou 
wouldst inflame, consume, and transform 
me into Thyself, that I may be made one 
spirit with Thee by the grace of internal 
union, and by the melting of ardent love! 



Clmst ottt 3TntetnaI SSnion 155 

OUFFER me not to go from Thee 
hungry and dry, but deal with me in 
Thy mercy, as Thou hast often dealt 
wonderfully with Thy Saints. 

WHAT marvel, if I should be wholly 
set on fire by Thee, and should die to 
myself, since Thou art a Fire always 
burning, and never failing, a Love purify- 
ing the heart and enlightening the 
understanding! 



C&ttet our (Eternal T5lt&&iw 

Thou openest Thy hand and fillest 
with blessing every living creature. — 
Ps. m:16. 

W ITH the greatest devotion and 
burning love, with all the affection and 
fervor of my heart, I desire to receive 
Thee, Lord; as many saints and 
devout persons, who were most pleasing 
to Thee in holiness of life, and most 
fervent in devotion, have desired Thee, 
in Holy Communion. 

vJ MY God, eternal Love, my whole 
good, and never-ending happiness, I 
would gladly receive Thee with the most 
vehement desire, and most worthy rever- 
ence, that any of the saints have ever 
had, or could experience. 

AND although I am unworthy to 
have all those feelings of devotion, yet 
I offer to Thee the whole affection of my 
heart, as if I alone had all those highly 
pleasing inflamed desires. 
156 



Cjjrtat 0ttt (Eternal %ltmn$ 157 

X EA, and whatsoever a pious mind 
can conceive and desire, all this, with 
the greatest reverence and most inward 
affection, I offer and present to Thee. 

1 DESIRE to reserve nothing to my- 
self, but freely and most willingly to 
sacrifice myself, and all that is mine, to 
Thee. 

\J LORD my God, my Creator and Re- 
deemer, I desire to receive Thee this day 
with such affection, reverence, praise, 
and honor; such gratitude, worthiness, 
and love; such faith, hope, and purity, 
as Thy most holy Mother, the glorious 
Virgin Mary, received and desired Thee, 
when she humbly and devoutly answered 
the angel who declared to her the mystery 
of the incarnation: Behold the handmaid 
of the Lord; be it done unto me according 
to Thy word. 

i\.ND as Thy blessed precursor, the 
most excellent among the saints, John 
the Baptist, in Thy presence leaped for 
joy through the Holy Ghost, while he 



158 JHomente toify tjje Consoling Cfcrtet 

was yet enclosed in his mother's womb, 
and afterwards seeing Jesus walking 
among men, humbling himself exceed- 
ingly, with devout affection said: The 
friend of the bridegroom that standeth 
and heareth Him, rejoiceth with joy for 
the voice of the bridegroom; so I also 
wish to be inflamed with great and holy 
desires, and to present myself to Thee 
with my whole heart. 

WHEREFORE I here offer and 
present to Thee the joys of all devout 
hearts, their ardent affection, their ec- 
stasies, and supernatural illuminations 
and heavenly visions, together with all 
the virtues and praises that are or shall 
be celebrated by all creatures in heaven 
and earth, for myself and all such as 
have been recommended to my prayers, 
that by all Thou mayest be worthily 
praised and glorified forever. 

ltECEIVE my prayers, Lord my 
God, and my desires of giving Thee 
infinite praise and boundless blessing, 
which, according to the multitude of 



C&rtat ottr (Eternal %ltmn$ 159 

Thy unspeakable greatness, are most 
justly due to Thee. 

1 HESE I render, and desire to render 
Thee every day and every moment; and 
I invite and entreat all the heavenly 
spirits and all the faithful, by prayers 
and affections, to render with me thanks- 
giving and praise. 

JLjET all people, tribes, and tongues 
praise Thee, and magnify Thy holy and 
sweet name, with the highest jubilation 
and ardent devotion. 

i\ND let all who reverently and de- 
voutly celebrate Thy most high sacra- 
ment, and receive it with full faith, find 
grace and mercy at Thy hands, and 
humbly pray for me, a sinful creature. 

i\ND when they shall have obtained 
their wished-for devotion and blissful 
union, and shall retire from thy sacred 
heavenly table, fully comforted and 
wonderfully refreshed, let them vouchsafe 
to remember my poor soul. 



